Corpus: Vastus lateralis muscle
from Latin: vastus - wide
1. Definition
The vastus lateralis muscle is a thigh muscle that is the lateral part of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
2. Anatomy
The vastus lateralis muscle generally has the greatest muscle mass of the four heads of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
2.1. Origin
The vastus lateralis muscle primarily originates from a broad aponeurosis attached to the cranial part of the intertrochanteric line, the greater trochanter, and the linea aspera of the femur. A smaller portion of the fibers originates from the lateral intermuscular septum of the femur.
2.2. Attachment
The tendon of the vastus lateralis muscle inserts on the patella, which is in turn attached to the proximal tibia via the patellar ligament.
2.3. Innervation
The vastus lateralis muscle is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2-L4).
3. Function
The vastus lateralis muscle is responsible for extending (stretching) the knee joint.