Vastus Lateralis Muscle
Origin: Upper aspect of the intertrochanteric line, base of the greater trochanter and onto its anterior surface, from the proximal portion of the lateral lip of the linea aspera, lateral supracondylar ridge and the lateral intermuscular septum.
Insertion: Into the lateral side of the quadriceps tendon, joining with rectus femoris and the other vasti muscles, enveloping the patella, then by the patellar ligament into the tibial tuberosity.
Actions: Extension of the leg at the knee
Innervation: Posterior division of the femoral nerve (L3, L4)
Blood Supply: Branches from the profunda femoris artery.
Primary Actions of the Vastus Lateralis
1. Extension of the leg at the knee
Agonists:
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
- Rectus femoris
Antagonists:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Tensor fasciae latae assists with extension of the knee through the iliotibial band.
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