Rectus femoris

The rectus femoris (Latin: musculus rectus femoris) is a long fusiform-shaped muscle located in the anterior compartment of the thigh. Together with the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius, the rectus femoris forms the quadriceps femoris muscle. The rectus femoris is the most superficial muscle of the quadriceps femoris muscle complex, and it lies superior to the vastus intermedius. Close to the insertion site, all four muscles merge and form a common tendon that via the patellar ligament attaches to the tibial tuberosity of the tibia.

Origin

The rectus femoris originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine of the ilium and acetabular ridge.

Insertion

Along with other muscles of the quadriceps femoris, the rectus femoris inserts on the tibial tuberosity. Also, it attaches to the base of the patella.

Action

The rectus femoris muscle provides the extension of the leg at the knee joint and flexion of the thigh at the hip joint.

Innervation

The rectus femoris is innervated by the muscular branches of the femoral nerve (L2 - L4) that arises from the lumbar plexus.

Blood supply

The rectus femoris receives arterial blood supply from the branches of the femoral artery and descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery.