ANTERIOR THIGH MUSCLES Flashcards
collective name for the rectus femoris and the three vastus muscles**
quadriceps
names means tailor in Latin
it is a narrow, superficial muscle, which happens to be the longest muscle in the body
it passes obliquely downward and medial across the anterior aspect of the thigh
Sartorius
Sartorius origin
anterior superior iliac spine
Sartorius insertion
superior medial shaft/tibia
Sartorius actions
Flexion at the hip joint and knee joint (functions when both are carried out at the same time)
Abducts and laterally rotates the femur
medially rotates the leg
this group of muscles occupy the anterior aspect of the femur and are divided into separate parts
Quadriceps Femoris
Quadriceps Femoris, these four muscles have a common tendon of insertion on to the
base of the patella
the portion of the tendon of insertion which runs from the apex of the patella to the tibia is known as the
patellar ligament
the most superficial of the quadriceps and is situated in the middle of the thigh between the vastus
lateralis and vastus medialis, superficial to the vastus intermedius
Rectus Femoris
Rectus Femoris origin
anterior inferior iliac spine
acetabulum/pelvic bone
the largest of the quadriceps muscles and forms a broad, fleshy mass on the thigh
Vastus Lateralis
Vastus Lateralis origin
linea aspera/femur
deep to the other quadriceps and covers most of the anterior aspect of the femur
Vastus Intermedius
occasionally a distinct bundle of muscle fibers separates from the deepest layers of the vastus
intermedius and become a separate muscles known as the**
articularis genu
which attaches to the synovial membrane of the knee joint
Vastus Intermedius origin
anterior-lateral aspect and line aspera/femur
Actions of the Quadriceps
all muscles
Extend the leg at the knee joint
Tonus of the muscle plays a role in strengthening the knee joint
Actions of the Quadriceps
when the rectus femoris is also involved with**
Flexes the femur at the hip joint
Actions of the Quadriceps
when the articularis genu is present it is involved with**
Retracts the synovial membrane of the knee joint to help stabilize the knee
will have difficulty extending their leg against resistance and
will usually press on the distal end of the femur during walking to prevent flexion from occurring at the
knee joint
weakness of the muscle can also result in abnormal patellar movements and loss of joint mobility
Atrophy of the Quadriceps
with the patient lying down or sitting with their legs flexed at the knee joint, the
patient is asked to extend their knee against resistance
quadriceps are tested
with atrophy of the muscles, the patient will have difficult carrying out extension at the knee joint
a term used to indicate a cramping or spasm of the quadriceps
the term is also used to indicate trauma to the muscles, which can cause a tearing of muscle fibers and
lead to the formation of a painful hematoma and bruising
Charley Horse
a painful overuse injury of the common tendon of insertion of the quadriceps and/or the patellar ligament
common in individuals who participate in activities where there is continuous jumping or running (i.e.
aerobics, jogging, basketball, volleyball, soccer)
individuals will complain of pain and soreness in the area of the common tendon or patellar ligament and
this pain is intensified with activity
Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis)
is carried out by tapping the patellar ligament and is used to test for the segmental innervation of L2, L3
and L4**
Patellar Reflex*
