Quadriceps femoris muscle
Quadriceps Femoris Muscle
The Quadriceps Femoris Muscle (pronunciation: kwod-ri-seps fem-or-is musl) is a large muscle group that includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh.
Etymology
The term "Quadriceps" is derived from Latin, where "quadri-" means four and "-ceps" means head. "Femoris" is also Latin, referring to the femur or thigh. Thus, the term "Quadriceps Femoris" essentially means "four-headed muscle of the thigh".
Anatomy
The Quadriceps Femoris Muscle is composed of four individual muscles: the Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius, and the Rectus Femoris. Each of these muscles originates at different points on the femur bone, but they all share a common insertion point - the Patella, or kneecap, via the Patellar Ligament.
Function
The primary function of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle is to extend the knee joint. The Rectus Femoris also assists in flexing the hip joint.
Related Terms
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