Corpus: Vastus medialis muscle
from Latin: vastus - wide
Synonyms: vastus internus, teardrop muscle
1. Definition
The vastus medialis muscle is a thigh muscle that is the medial part of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
2. Anatomy
2.1. Origin
The vastus medialis muscle originates from a large portion of the medial surface of the femur. It extends from cranially at the intertrochanteric line to the inner lip of the linea aspera, extending caudally to the medial supracondylar line of the femur.
2.2. Attachment
The tendon of the vastus medialis muscle unites with the tendons of the other components of the quadriceps femoris muscle to form a common attachment tendon. Its fibers radiate into the patella, which in turn is connected via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity, a roughened area on the lower leg.
2.3. Innervation
The vastus medialis muscle is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2-L4).
3. Function
The vastus medialis muscle is responsible for extending the knee joint.