Vastus Lateralis

Vastus Lateralis is the most lateral (outer) of the four quadriceps muscles and is felt on the outside top of the thigh.

Origin

• Outer surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
  
  
• Upper half of the linea aspera

Insertion

• Patella via the quadriceps tendon and then the tibial tuberosity via the patella tendon

Actions

• Knee extension

Innervation

• Femoral nerve

Daily uses

• Cycling
  
  
• Walking up stairs

Example strengthening exercises

• Knee extension machine
  
  
• Leg press machine
  
  
• Squats

Example stretches

• Standing quad stretch
  
  
• Laying quad stretch

Related injuries

• Quad strain
  
  
• Contusion

Related muscles

• Vastus medialis
  
  
• Vastus intermedius
  
  
• Rectus femoris