BIO 12D Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Vastus Intermedius Muscle, Vastus Medialis, Quadriceps Femoris Muscle
15 May 2020
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Document Summary
Vastus lateralis: forms the anterolateral surface of the thigh. Vastus medialis: forms the anteromedial surface of the thigh. Vastus intermedius: positioned deep to the rectus femoris, and sandwiched between the other two vastus muscles. All four converge on a single quadriceps tendon, which extends to the patella and then continues inferiorly as the patellar ligament and inserts on the tibial tuberosity. Patella becomes encased in this tendon and ligament. Quadriceps femoris is the great extensor muscle of the leg: extends the knee, acts with the iliopsoas to flex the hip while the leg is off the ground. The medial (adductor) compartment of the thigh: muscles that adduct the coxal joint, adduct the thigh, gracilis also flexes the knee joint/leg. The posterior (flexor) compartment of the thigh contains the three hamstring muscles discussed previously. The biceps femoris is a two-headed muscle that inserts on the lateral side of the leg.
