Rectus femoris (hip & knee muscle)

Rectus Femoris

The Rectus Femoris muscle is part of the Quadriceps muscle group. It is the only of the quadriceps group knee muscles which also crosses the hip joint. It is a powerful knee extensor when the hip is extended (back), but is weak when the hip is flexed (forwards).

  • Origin : Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS).
  • Insertion: Top of the patella and the patella tendon to the tibial tuberosity.
  • Actions: Flexion of the hip.
    Extension of the knee.
  • Innervation: Femoral nerve.
  • Daily uses: Kicking a football.
  • Example strengthening exercises: Standing hip flexion using resistance band.
    Sitting hip flexion – isometric.
  • Example stretches: Hip flexor stretch.
    Laying quadricep stretch.
    Standing quadricep stretch.
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