Vastus Medialis is on the inside edge (aka medial) side of your thigh bone (femur) :
Muscle Attachment points:
ORIGIN: Intertrochanteric line, the medial lip of the linea aspera
& the medial supracondylar line of the femur. You may hear variations of these attachments depending on the textbook or online source, do not be intimidated: To me, this is just fancy Latin for
"3 points along the inside of your femur (thigh) bone".
"3 points along the inside of your femur (thigh) bone".
INSERTION: Tibial Tuberosity (via the patellar ligament/tendon*)
*sometimes you'll hear Patellar Ligament and sometimes you'll hear Patellar Tendon. They are one in the same: while all four quad muscles turn into the patellar tendon (tendons connect muscle to bone) it is ALSO considered a Ligament because it attaches bone to bone: attaching the patella (knee cap) to the tibia (lower leg bone).
Muscle Action:
Extension of the leg at the knee joint.
(the action of going from bent leg to straight)
When standing, knee extension helps you to kick a ball.
The most distal aspect (part of muscle closest to/just above the knee) is the bulkiest part and can form a tear-drop shaped bulge in well toned people.
just two more quads to go ! See you next week!
