Quadriceps
Quadriceps
Quadriceps (pronunciation: /ˈkwɒdrɪsɛps/), also known as the quadriceps femoris is a large muscle group that includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh.
Etymology
The term "quadriceps" is derived from the Latin words "quadri-" meaning four and "-ceps" meaning head. This is in reference to the four individual muscles that make up the quadriceps muscle group.
Anatomy
The quadriceps consists of four muscles: the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and the rectus femoris. Each of these muscles originates on the femur bone and inserts into the patella, or kneecap.
- Vastus lateralis: This is the largest and most powerful part of the quadriceps, located on the outer side of the thigh.
- Vastus medialis: This muscle is located on the inner part of the thigh.
- Vastus intermedius: This muscle lies between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis on the front of the femur.
- Rectus femoris: This muscle is situated in the middle of the thigh, covering most of the other three quadriceps muscles.
Function
The primary function of the quadriceps is to extend the knee joint and flex the hip joint. This makes it a crucial muscle for walking, running, jumping and squatting.
Related Terms
- Knee joint: The joint that the quadriceps extends.
- Femur: The bone where the quadriceps originates.
- Patella: The bone where the quadriceps inserts.
- Hip joint: The joint that the rectus femoris helps to flex.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Quadriceps
- Wikipedia's article - Quadriceps
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