Vastus Lateralis Muscle

Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board

Muscle Group: Vastus Lateralis is the largest of the quadriceps muscles

Location: Outer part of the front of the thigh

Action: Knee extension (straightening)

Origin: Several areas of the femur – upper lateral part intertrochanteric line, lower border greater trochanter, lateral side gluteal tuberosity, upper half lateral lip of linea aspera, lateral intermuscular septum

Insertion: Rectus femoris tendon and lateral border of the patella

Functional Activities: Sit to stand, stairs and squats

Nerve Supply: Muscular branch femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4)

Location

It originates from various parts of the femur (thigh bone) over a large area as listed above. These parts blend together to form a broad, flat tendon (known as an aponeurosis) from which come the muscle fibres that run downwards and forwards to the knee joint. 

The main muscle bulk of vastus lateralis is found on the upper half of the lateral side of the thigh. It then forms a broad tendon which narrows as it approaches the patella (kneecap).

Here, the tendon inserts into one of the other quadriceps tendons (rectus femoris) and the outer side of the patella. Some fibres blend with the iliotibial band (ITB) which to a large extent replaces the local part of the joint capsule and then attaches to the tibial tuberosity, just below the patella.

Function

Vastus Lateralis works with the other quadriceps muscles to extend the knee, particularly with activities such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs and cycling.

It is also the recommended site for intramuscular injections in infants under seven months old and in those with loss of muscle tone, usually due to not being able to walk.