Rectus Femoris

Question 1

Where does the rectus femoris arise from and end?

Answer 1

The rectus femoris arises from two tendons: one, the anterior and straight, from the anterior inferior iliac spine; the other, the posterior or reflected, from a groove above the rim of the acetabulum. The two unite at an acute angle and spread into an aponeurosis that 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 that 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.

Question 2

Which nerve innervates the rectus femoris?

Answer 2

The femoral nerve - posterior branch of L4

Question 3

What movements does the rectus femoris contribute to?

Answer 3

Flexion of the thigh at the hip joint and extension of the leg at the knee joint