The vastus lateralis is a large muscle located halfway down the outer side of the thigh.

Origin

The vastus lateralis originates on the lateral surface of the femur from just below the upper head of the bone to almost the lower end.

Insertion

The vastus muscles run almost the entire length of the femur and converge into the quadriceps femoris tendon, which attaches to the patella bone (kneecap).

Function

Knee joint extension.

Knee Extension (Leg Extension)

Squat

Machine Squat

Lunge

Side Lunge

Leg Press