vastus medialis (vastus internus)

Introduction

Medial head of the quadriceps femoris.

Origin

• medial lip of the linea aspera (femur)

Insertion

• via common tendon of the quadriceps femoris to the patella & by the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity

Action

• extends leg
• probably most important muscle controlling movement of patella

Innervation

femoral nerve

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)

Additional terms

• patella (kneecap)

Component of

• quadriceps femoris