Vastus Lateralis Muscle

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

The vastus lateralis is a large muscle located on the anterolateral side of the thigh and part of the quadriceps femoris.

image descriptionVastus Lateralis Muscle

An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle (highlighted) attached to the lower limb along with other muscles (Pectineus, Iliacus, Psoas major, Adductor longus and Rectus femoris)
An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle (highlighted) attached to the lower limb along with other muscles (Pectineus, Adductor longus, Vastus medialis and Gracilis)
An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle (highlighted) attached to the lower limb along with other muscles (Adductor brevis, Adductor magnus and Gracilis)
An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle attached to the lower limb
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image descriptionAttachments of Vastus Lateralis Muscle: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments):
Greater trochanter. It also attaches to the lateral lip of linea aspera of femur.

Insertion: (distal attachments):
Quadriceps tendon to base of patella and onto tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament.

Did you know that muscle anatomy is easier to understand when you learn with 3D tools? These 3D lower limb anatomy videos will have you understanding vastus lateralis anatomy in no time.

An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle (highlighted) attached to the lower limb along with other muscles (Pectineus, Iliacus, Psoas major, Adductor longus and Rectus femoris)
An image showing the Vastus Lateralis Muscle attached to the lower limb
An image showing the Origin and Insertion of the Vastus Lateralis Muscle on the lower limb
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Actions on the leg (tibia & fibula):

image descriptionExtends leg at knee; (part of quadriceps group).

Nerve to Muscle and its Spinal Segment:

Femoral nerve (L2-L4).

Test yourself:

Muscles That Act On The Anterior Leg (From The Thigh)

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