Corpus: Vastus intermedius muscle
from Latin: vastus - wide
1. Definition
The vastus intermedius muscle is a thigh muscle that is part of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
2. Anatomy
The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the upper two-thirds of the femur. Approximately in the center of the bone, the muscle tissue progressively merges into a tendon that attaches to the patella. Typically, this part of the muscle is completely covered by the rectus femoris muscle.
The vastus intermedius muscle is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2-L4).
3. Function
As part of the quadriceps muscle group, the vastus intermedius muscle is responsible for extending the knee joint.