Vastus Lateralis Muscle

Vastus Lateralis Muscle

The Vastus lateralis (vastus externus) is the largest part of the quadriceps femoris. It arises by a broad aponeurosis, which is attached to the upper part of the intertrochanteric line, to the anterior and inferior borders of the greater trochanter, to the lateral lip of the gluteal tuberosity, and to the upper half of the lateral lip of the linea aspera; this aponeurosis covers the upper three-quarters of the muscle, and from its deep surface many fibers take origin.

A few additional fibres arise from the tendon of the gluteus maximus, and from the lateral intermuscular septum between the vastus lateralis and short head of the biceps femoris. The fibers form a large fleshy mass, which is attached to a strong aponeurosis, placed on the deep surface of the lower part of the muscle: this aponeurosis becomes contracted and thickened into a flat tendon inserted into the lateral border of the patella, blending with the quadriceps femoris tendon, and giving an expansion to the capsule of the knee-joint.