Vastus Lateralis

Region: Hip & Thigh Muscles · All hip & thigh muscles

Vastus Lateralis at a glance

OriginGreater trochanter and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur
InsertionLateral border of the patella and quadriceps tendon to the tibial tuberosity
ActionsStraightens the knee (extension)
Nerve supplyFemoral nerve (L2–L4)

◆ Good to know

The largest quadriceps head and a standard site for intramuscular injections in infants and vaccination in older children.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.