Quadriceps muscles: origins, insertions and actions
The quadriceps femoris extends the knee and is the strongest muscle group in the leg. It consists of rectus femoris and three vasti; vastus intermedius lies deep to rectus femoris.
The muscles share the quadriceps tendon, which encloses the patella and continues as the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectus femoris | Straight head: anterior inferior iliac spine. Reflected head: groove above the acetabulum. | Base of the patella, then the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. | Femoral nerve (L2-L4). | Extends the knee and flexes the hip. |
| Vastus lateralis | Greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur. | Quadriceps tendon, lateral border of the patella, and the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. | Femoral nerve (L2-L4). | Extends the knee. |
| Vastus medialis | Intertrochanteric line, medial lip of the linea aspera and medial supracondylar line of the femur. | Quadriceps tendon and medial border of the patella; tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. | Femoral nerve (L2-L4). | Extends the knee; the oblique fibres (vastus medialis oblique) stabilise the patella medially. |
Frequently asked questions
Which quadriceps muscle also flexes the hip?
Rectus femoris, because it crosses the hip joint.
Which nerve supplies all the quadriceps?
The femoral nerve.
See each muscle in 3D
Last updated September 30, 2026. Educational use only. See our editorial policy.