The vastus lateralis is the largest component of the quadriceps and forms the lateral bulk of the thigh. It arises from the greater trochanter and the lateral lip of the linea aspera and inserts on the tibial tuberosity through the quadriceps tendon, patella and patellar ligament. The femoral nerve supplies it, and it extends the knee.
| Origin | Greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur. |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Quadriceps tendon, lateral border of the patella, and the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4). |
| Blood supply | Descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. |
| Action | Extends the knee. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
Its thickness and distance from major vessels and nerves make the vastus lateralis the preferred intramuscular injection site in infants.
It extends the knee.
The femoral nerve.
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