Vastus lateralis
Outer quad · Thighs
Deep muscle — it lies under other muscles. X-ray makes the muscles over it see-through.
- Origin
- Greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line and the linea aspera
- Insertion
- Tibial tuberosity via the patellar tendon
- Action
- Extends the knee
- Nerve supply
- Femoral nerve (L2–L4)
The largest quadriceps muscle, forming the outer sweep of the thigh. It acts only at the knee and works in squats, lunges, leg presses and leg extensions.