Also called: VMO
The vastus medialis forms the medial bulge above the knee. It arises from the intertrochanteric line, the medial lip of the linea aspera and the medial supracondylar line and inserts on the patella and tibial tuberosity through the quadriceps tendon. The femoral nerve supplies it, and its lower oblique fibres keep the patella tracking centrally while extending the knee.
| Origin | Intertrochanteric line, medial lip of the linea aspera and medial supracondylar line of the femur. |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Quadriceps tendon and medial border of the patella; tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4). |
| Blood supply | Femoral artery, descending genicular artery and profunda femoris branches. |
| Action | Extends the knee; the oblique fibres (vastus medialis oblique) stabilise the patella medially. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
Weak vastus medialis oblique fibres can allow the patella to track laterally, which is one factor in patellofemoral pain.
The lowest, obliquely running fibres of the vastus medialis that help keep the patella tracking centrally.
The femoral nerve.
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