Question #431
Vastus intermedius
Vastus intermedius is found in the anterior compartment of the thigh, lying deep to rectus femoris. It arises from the anterior and lateral upper 2/3rds
of the femoral shaft - it does not extend as posteriorly as the other vasti muscles. Distally it forms the deep component of the quadriceps tendon but importantly
inserts into the superior-lateral edge of the patella, pulling it laterally when it contracts.
As the other vasti muscles it extends the knee joint.
It is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2,3,4).