Muscles / Quads
Quadriceps femoris
- Quads
- Thigh & knee
- Superficial layer
Also called quads, quadriceps.
Anatomy
- Origin
- Rectus femoris from the ilium; the three vasti from the femur
- Insertion
- Base of the patella; via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity
- Nerve
- Femoral nerve (L2-L4)
Actions
- Extends the knee
- Rectus femoris also flexes the hip
Exercises that train it most
Single-leg squat
Terminal knee extension (band)
Wall squat / wall sit
Squat
Step-up (forward and lateral)
Forward lunge
Reverse lunge with dumbbells
Seated knee extension (open chain)
Box squat to a chair
Kettlebell deadlift
Also trained by
Parts
Notes
- Quadriceps weakness and arthrogenic inhibition are common after ACL reconstruction and in knee osteoarthritis.
- Patellar reflex tests mainly L4.
References (5)
- van Melick N, van Cingel REH, Brooijmans F, et al. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(24):1506-1515. Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e