The three vastus muscles of the thigh that, together with the rectus femoris, make up the quadriceps group.
Structure
The vasti are the vastus lateralis on the outer thigh, the vastus medialis on the inner thigh, and the vastus intermedius deep beneath the rectus femoris. All three arise from the femur and converge into the common quadriceps tendon.
Function
Together they straighten the knee. The vastus medialis is especially important for stabilizing the patella against the pull of the larger vastus lateralis.
Clinical note
Weakness of the vastus medialis is a common contributor to patellofemoral pain, where the kneecap tracks too far laterally.
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