MuscleThigh — anterior (quadriceps)
Rectus femoris
Latin: M. rectus femoris sinistra
Location: Thigh
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the rectus femoris in 3DOrigin
Straight head: anterior inferior iliac spine. Reflected head: ilium above the acetabulum.
Insertion
Tibial tuberosity via the quadriceps tendon, patella and patellar ligament.
Action
The only quadriceps head crossing two joints: extends the knee and flexes the hip — kicking a ball swings both actions together.
Nerve supply
Femoral nerve (L2–L4).
Blood supply
Profunda femoris (lateral circumflex femoral) artery.
Clinical relevance
Its proximal avulsion from the AIIS fells adolescent sprinters; the muscle's central tendon makes it the classic site of 'charley horse' quadriceps contusions in football.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.