Name

# Rectus Femoris

Pronunciation

(REK-tus fe-MOR-is)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Common quadriceps tendon into patella, tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament

Action/Relevance

Extends kneeFlexes hip

Innervation

Femoral nerve (L2-4)

Notes

The Rectus femoris is situated in the middle of the front of the thigh; it is fusiform in shape, and its superficial fibers are arranged in a bipenniform manner, the deep fibers running straight down to the deep aponeurosis. It arises by two tendons: one, the anterior or straight, from the anterior inferior iliac spine; the other, the posterior or reflected, from a groove above the brim of the acetabulum. The two unite at an acute angle, and spread into an aponeurosis which 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 which 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.