Quadriceps

Positioned on the front or anterior of the thigh, the quadriceps consist of four muscles. These muscles are:

• the vastus medialis,
• the vastus intermedius,
• the vastus lateralis, and
• The rectus femoris.

Attached to the front portion of the tibia, most of the muscles of the quadriceps begin at the top portion of the femur. However, the rectus femoris starts at the pelvis and extends across the hip joint.

The function of the Quadriceps as a whole is to extend the knee (straighten the knee). However, the Rectus Femoris functions to extend the knee but also acts as a hip flexor because it crosses the hip joint.

It is important to keep your quadriceps strong to allow for the highest level of flexibility, as well as to prevent injury. There are exercises and stretches helpful in keeping quadriceps strong and limber.

Taking care of your quadriceps not only helps to guard against muscle injuries, but can also help to support the knee joint and protect it from injury.

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