Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The vastus lateralis is one of the four muscles that make up the quadriceps femoris group, located on the lateral side of the thigh. It is primarily responsible for extending the knee and stabilizing the patella.
Related terms
Quadriceps Femoris: A muscle group consisting of four muscles (including the vastus lateralis) that is primarily responsible for knee extension.
A small bone located in front of the knee joint, which articulates with the thigh bone (femur) and is stabilized by muscles including the vastus lateralis.
Knee Extension: The action of straightening or increasing the angle between the femur and tibia, mainly performed by the quadriceps femoris muscle group