The vastus lateralis is largest of the four quadriceps muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh. The others are the rectus femoris, the vastus intermedius, and the vastus medialis.
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Summary
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origin
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lateral part of intertrochanteric line
margin of greater trochanter
lateral margin of gluteal tuberosity
lateral lip of linea aspera
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insertion
lateral margin of patella
action: extends the leg at the knee joint
arterial supply: lateral circumflex femoral and deep femoral arteries
innervation: femoral nerve (L2 - L4)
Gross anatomy
Relations
The vastus lateralis muscle lies superficial to the biceps femoris muscle with its lateral side covered by the tensor fasciae latae. The muscle lies medial to the gluteus maximus and is situated lateral to the vastus intermedius muscle.
Origin
The vastus lateralis originates from the greater trochanter, upper part of the intertrochanteric line, superior aspect of the lateral lip of the linea aspera and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
Insertion
Along with other muscles of the quadriceps femoris, the vastus lateralis inserts on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. Also, it attaches to the lateral aspect of the patella.
Action
The vastus lateralis provides the extension of the leg at the knee joint.
Innervation
The vastus lateralis is innervated by the muscular branches of the femoral nerve (L2 - L4) that arises from the lumbar plexus.
Arterial supply
The vastus lateralis receives arterial blood supply from the ascending, transverse and descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the lateral artery, a perforating branch of the deep femoral artery.
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