The vastus lateralis is a long muscle of the anterolateral surface of the human thigh. It is part of the quadriceps femoris group. Its proximal end is covered by the tensor fasciae latae muscle.
The vastus lateralis muscle originates from the greater trochanter, the intertrochanteric line, and the lateral lip of linea aspera of femur. Next, it runs down laterally. Then its distal portion travels anteriorly, ending up in a wide tendon, part of which gets fused with the rectus femoris muscle tendon to be inserted into the lateral border of patella.
Action
The vastus lateralis muscle function is to extend the leg at the knee-joint. In doing so, it contributes to lift up the whole body when it is in a sitting position, as when we stand up from a chair, working together with the other muscles of the quadriceps.
Innervation
For the contraction, the vastus lateralis receives nerve fibers from the femoral nerve (L2-L4).
Blood Supply
It is supplied by branches arising from the profunda femoris artery, which include the lateral circumflex femoral and the perforating arteries.
Below, an anterior view of the right thigh. As you can see, the vastus lateralis muscle is partially covered by tensor fasciae latae
