Rectus femoris

Thighs

Origin: Anterior inferior iliac spine and the rim of the acetabulum
Insertion: Tibial tuberosity via the patellar tendon
Action: Extends the knee and flexes the hip
Nerve supply: Femoral nerve (L2–L4)

The only quadriceps muscle that crosses the hip, running straight down the middle of the thigh. Besides straightening the knee, it helps lift the thigh, as in leg raises.

Also works in

Exercises listed for the quadriceps as a whole

Rectus femoris anatomy page →

Exercises that train the rectus femoris

Hanging leg raise — assists

Exercises listed for the quadriceps as a whole

Barbell back squat — main mover
Front squat — main mover
Walking lunge — main mover
Bulgarian split squat — main mover
Leg press — main mover
Leg extension — main mover
Conventional deadlift — assists
Romanian deadlift — assists
Barbell hip thrust — assists
Plank — assists

Other parts of the quadriceps

Sources

Last updated 18 October 2026. For education only — not medical advice, and not reviewed by a clinician.