Vastus Lateralis (VL)

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Schematic of Anterior Thigh Muscles¹
1: Sartorius
2: Rectus Femoris
3: Vastus Medialis
4: Vastus Lateralis
Vastus Intermedius

Deep Layer of Anterior Thigh Muscle¹

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Vastus lateralis	Lateral lip of Linea aspera Lateral surface of Greater trochanter	Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament Tibial tuberosity and patella via Patellar retinacula	Femoral n. L2 - L4	Knee: Extension

Origin

• Linea aspera (lateral lip)¹
• Greater trochanter (lateral surface)¹

Insertion

• Tibial tuberosity via patellar lig.¹
• Patella and tibial tuberosity via Lateral patellar retinacula¹

Nerve

Femoral N. (L2, L3, L4)¹

Action

Knee: extension¹

“The VL (Fig. 19-7) is composed of two functional parts: the VL and the vastus lateralis oblique (VLO). The VL has a line of pull of about 12–15° to the long axis of the femur in the frontal plane, whereas the VLO has a pull of 38–48°.”²

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

2.

Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.