Saturday 29 July 2023

What to know about the quadriceps muscles

 The quadriceps, or quads, are a group of four muscles on the front of the thigh. They include some of the largest and strongest muscles in the body and allow people to stand, walk, run, squat, and jump.

The term quadriceps is Latin for “four headed.” This is because people separate this muscle group into four distinct portions that all work together to help extend the leg. The four muscles that comprise the quadriceps includeTrusted Source:

  • the rectus femoris
  • the vastus lateralis
  • the vastus intermedius
  • the vastus medialis

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of the quadriceps. We will also explore some common injuries and strengthening exercises.

Also known as the quadriceps femorisTrusted Source, the quads shape the main bulk of the thigh and collectively form one of the densest and most powerful muscle groups in the body.

Experts can further subdivide the muscles of the thigh into three compartments:

  • the anterior (front)
  • medial (inner)
  • posterior (back of the thigh)

Along with two other muscles, the sartorius and iliopsoas, the quadriceps form the anterior compartmentTrusted Source, which extends the leg at the knee, enabling stability and movement.

Anatomy

The quadriceps femoris consists of the rectus femoris and the three vastus muscles. These muscles work together to extend the knee and stabilize the patella, or kneecap. The location of these four muscles are as follows:

  • Rectus femorisTrusted Source: This muscle partially covers the three vastus muscles and is the only muscle in the group to cross the hip and knee joints. In addition to extending at the knee joint, it also flexes at the hip joint.
  • Vastus lateralisTrusted Source: This large muscle runs down the outside of the thigh and connects the femur to the patella.
  • Vastus intermedius: As the name suggests, this muscle sits between the other two vastus muscles in the thigh. It is the deepest of the four muscles.
  • Vastus medialis: This teardrop-shaped muscle runs along the inner part of the thigh and connects the femur to the kneecap.

In addition to the four quadriceps muscles, this area of the body also includes the lateral femoral circumflex arteryTrusted Source. This branch of the femoral artery is the primary blood supply for the leg. It also features the femoral nerveTrusted Source, which has a role in motor and sensory processing in the lower limbs. Additionally, the head of these four muscles combines to form the quadriceps muscle tendon, which connects the muscle group to the patella.

Contusions

Strains

Tendinopathy

Tears

Squats

Lunges

Leg press

Leg extension

The quadriceps are a group of muscles present on the front of the thigh. They consist of four distinct muscles: the rectus femoris, the vastus lateralis, the vastus intermedius, and the vastus medialis. They are responsible for extending the leg and helping with movements such as walking and jumping.

As these muscles are involved in many active movements, quad injuries are common among athletes. After an injury, it is advisable for people to rest and allow the muscles to recover. Proper stretching and conditioning of these muscles can help prevent injuries.

Source - Medical News Today

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