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SPORTS ANATOMY LESSON #3
Knee Extensors: The Quadriceps Muscles
The quadriceps muscle is a group of four muscles located in the anterior thigh on both sides of the body. Their names are: 1) Vastus Rectus (a.k.a. Rectus Femoris), 2) Vastus Medialis, 3) Vastus Lateralis, and 4) Vastus Intermedialis. These muscles are shown in Figure 1 below:
Figure 1. The Quadriceps Muscles.
INNERVATION (NERVE SUPPLY)
The nerve supply to the quadriceps muscles is supplied by the the femoral nerve . See Figure 2:
Figure 2. LumboSacral Plexus showing the Femoral Nerve.
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Function
The quadriceps main function is to extend the leg at the knee. This occurs during activities such as running, jumping, kicking and walking. This is illustrated in Figure 3 below:
Figure 3. Leg extended at the knee.
Muscles involved: R-Vastus Rectus, R-Vastus Medialis,
R-Vastus Lateralis, and R-Vastus Intermedialis
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