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The Vastus Lateralis is a member of the Quadriceps Femoris Group, which is composed of the:
- Rectus femoris
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
ATTACHMENTS:
- The vastus lateralis attaches from the lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur to the tibial tuberosity (via the patella and [infra-]patellar ligament).
ACTIONS:
- Extends the leg at the knee joint.
- Tracks the patella laterally at the patellofemoral joint.
NOTES:
- The vastus lateralis is the largest of the four quadriceps femoris muscles.
- Often, pain in the lateral thigh that is attributed to the iliotibial band (ITB) is actually caused by the vastus lateralis.
