Rectus femoris muscle
Musculus rectus femoris
- Related terms: Rectus femoris
Definition
Origin: Anterior inferior iliac spine and the exterior surface of the bony ridge which forms the iliac portion of the acetabulum
Insertion: Patella and Tibial tuberosity via the Patellar ligament
Artery: Femoral artery
Nerve: Femoral nerve
Action: Knee extension; hip flexion
Antagonist: Hamstring
Description:
The Rectus femoris is situated in the middle of the front of the thigh; it is fusiform in shape, and its superficial fibers are arranged in a bipenniform manner, the deep fibers running straight down to the deep aponeurosis. It arises by two tendons: one, the anterior or straight, from the anterior inferior iliac spine; the other, the posterior or reflected, from a groove above the brim of the acetabulum. The two unite at an acute angle, and spread into an aponeurosis which is prolonged downward on the anterior surface of the muscle, and from this the muscular fibers arise. The muscle ends in a broad and thick aponeurosis which occupies the lower two-thirds of its posterior surface, and, gradually becoming narrowed into a flattened tendon, is inserted into the base of the patella.
