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The rectus femorisExtensor / Flexor Front of thigh; straightens the knee and helps lift the leg at the hip. is so named because it is a straight muscle that lays on the anteriorThe front of the body or toward the front when standing in the anatomical position. thigh. It is one of the main hip flexors and knee extensors.
Rectus femoris Origin
The anterior inferior iliac spineSmall bump below the ASIS; site for muscle attachment. (AIIS), which is a bony projection at the front of the hip bone (iliumBroad, flaring upper portion of the hip bone; forms the “wings” of the pelvis.).
The acetabulumDeep, cup-like socket on lateral side where femur head articulates; shared by all three hip bone reg, which is the cup-like socket in the hip bone where the femurThigh bone; longest and strongest bone in the body; has a large round head and prominent trochanters (thigh bone) inserts.
Rectus femoris Insertion
The rectus femoris inserts via the quadriceps tendonConnector Above patella; connects thigh muscles to kneecap. into the patellaKneecap; small triangular bone embedded in quadriceps tendon; protects knee joint. (kneecap). From the patella, the quadriceps tendon continues as the patellar ligament. It attaches to the tibial tuberosityRough bump below kneecap on anterior surface for patellar ligament attachment. on the anterior surface of the tibiaShinbone; large, weight-bearing medial bone of the lower leg. (shinbone).
Rectus femoris Actions
Knee Extension
Hip Flexion
Assistance in Trunk Flexion
Interactive Materials
🩻 Label or Draw on the Thigh
Use the tools below to draw or add text labels directly on the pelvic girdle image. Choose a color, undo/redo strokes, clear your work, or save it when done.
Identify More Muscles
Link to more Muscle Identification
Upper Arm Muscles
Forearm Muscles
Calf Muscles
Anterior Thigh Muscles
Posterior Thigh Muscles
Knee Structures
Chest Muscles
Back Muscles
Abdominal Muscles
Neck Muscles
Head Muscles
List of terms
- rectus femoris
- anterior
- anterior inferior iliac spine
- ilium
- acetabulum
- femur
- quadriceps tendon
- patella
- tibial tuberosity
- tibia