Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board
The quadriceps muscles are a group of four muscles found on the front of the thigh, aka the quadriceps femoris group.
The quads work together to straighten the knee and play an important role in activities such as walking, running, getting up from a chair and climbing stairs.
Here we will look at the anatomy of each of the quadriceps muscles, how they work, the quadriceps femoris functions and common injuries.
The quadriceps femoris group comprises of four muscles, rectus femoris, which originates from above the hip, and three vastus muscles, each originating from various places on the shaft of the femur, thigh bone.
The four quadriceps muscles pass down the front of the thigh and then join together near the knee to form the quadriceps tendon aka ligamentum patellae.
The quads tendon flows around the patella (kneecap) before finally attaching to the tibial tuberosity, by which time it is known as the patellar tendon.
The tibial tuberosity is the knobbly bit on the front of the shin bone that you can feel about 1cm below the kneecap.
For those of you who want to know more detailed quadriceps anatomy, let’s have a quick look at where each muscles comes from and goes to:
Rectus Femoris: originates via two heads from the pelvis, the anterior inferior iliac spine and just above the hip socket on the ilium. Inserts onto the patella and tibial tuberosity.
Vastus Medialis: originates from the intertrochanteric line and the medial side of the femur including the medial intermuscular septum and medial supracondylar line. It attaches to the medial border of the patella, the tibial tuberosity and the medial condyle of the tibia
Vastus Intermedius: originates from the upper two-thirds of the femur, linea aspera and lateral supracondylar line. It forms the deep aspect of the quadriceps tendon inserting onto the tibial tuberosity
Vastus Lateralis: originates on the front of the femur from the intertrochanteric line and inferior border of the greater trochanter. It inserts onto the lateral margin of the patella and the tibial tuberosity
If you really want to get into the nitty gritty detail of quadriceps anatomy, use the links above to find out more .
Quadriceps femoris is supplied by the femoral nerve, root value L2, L3 & L4.
The main function of the quadriceps muscles is to straighten the knee. As rectus femoris originates above the hip on the pelvis, it can also independently bend the hip.
Here are some examples of what activities rely on quadriceps femoris function
Fun Fact: When simply standing, there is actually very little action in the quadriceps muscles, which is why if someone knocks your knee from behind, the knee suddenly collapses
The quadriceps muscles are prone to a number of different injuries including:
Quadriceps exercises are a great way to improve the strength, definition and flexibility of the thigh muscles which make a real difference to daily activities such as climbing stairs, getting out of a chair and kicking a ball.
Quadriceps Stretches: Exercises for stretching quads muscles effectively, and simple tests to check if you have tight quads
Quads Strengthening: Exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscles, from beginners to advanced
You can find out loads more about how best to exercise the quadriceps muscles using the links above e.g. top tips, best ways to stretch & how to progress strengthening.
Page Last Updated: Sept 09, 2020
Next Review Due: Sept 09, 2022
Diagnosis Chart
March 3, 2020
Exercise Top Tips
January 17, 2020
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