GENERAL INFORMATION
The Rectus Femoris is a crucial muscle in the quadriceps group, notable for crossing both the hip and knee joints. It is instrumental in various dynamic actions such as walking, running and jumping, and it is primarily responsible for extending the knee and flexing the hip. This dual-function muscle is vital for athletic activities and everyday movements alike.
ORIGIN
The Rectus Femoris originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) of the pelvis and the upper margin of the acetabulum, making it unique among the quadriceps for its role in hip movement.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts into the patellar tendon, which then attaches to the tibial tuberosity on the front of the tibia. This common insertion point and other quadriceps muscles allow for coordinated action in knee extension.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The lateral femoral circumflex artery primarily vascularised the muscle, providing the necessary blood flow to support its high demand for oxygen during physical activities.
NEURAL INNERVATION
Neural innervation is provided by the femoral nerve, facilitating precise movements and coordination within the lower extremity.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the Rectus Femoris can lead to pain and tightness in the thigh, often radiating to the knee, impacting mobility and athletic performance.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Concentric contraction of the Rectus Femoris results in knee extension, such as kicking a ball or pushing the pedal on a bicycle and assists in hip flexion.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
Eccentrically, this muscle helps control the rate of knee flexion, such as descending stairs or landing from a jump and moderates hip extension.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometrically, the Rectus Femoris stabilises the knee and hip, maintaining posture and supporting the leg during activities that require sustained positions, such as standing or squat holds.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Vastus Lateralis: Located on the outer side of the thigh, it contributes to knee extension.
- Vastus Medialis: Found on the inner part of the thigh, it assists in knee extension and stabilises the patella.
- Vastus Intermedius: Positioned between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, it aids knee extension.
- Sartorius: The longest muscle in the body, running from the hip to the knee, flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the thigh.
ANTAGONIST
- Hamstring Group: Comprising the biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus, these muscles are responsible for knee flexion and hip extension.
- Gluteus Maximus: The most significant buttock muscle extends and externally rotates the hip.
- Biceps Femoris: Part of the hamstrings that flexes the knee and extends the hip.
COMMON INJURIES
- Quadriceps strain: Overstretching or tearing of the muscle fibres, often from sudden movements.
- Rectus Femoris tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse.
- Patellar tendinopathy: Degeneration of the patellar tendon, typically from repetitive stress.
- Muscle tears: Severe damage to muscle fibres, usually from high-intensity activities.
EXERCISES
- Leg Extensions: Target the Rectus Femoris by extending the knee against resistance from a seated position.
- Squats: Engage this muscle through knee extension and hip flexion, crucial for building overall leg strength.
- Lunges: The lunges dynamically engage the Rectus Femoris, challenging its hip-flexing and knee-extending functions.
- Step-Ups: Utilise a platform to step up and down, focusing on the concentric and eccentric phases of knee and hip movement.
STRETCHES
- Standing Quad Stretch: Pull the heel towards the buttocks while stretching the Rectus Femoris and other quadriceps muscles.
- Lying Quad Stretch: Lie on one side and pull the top leg’s heel towards the buttocks, focusing on elongating the muscle.
- Hip Flexor Stretch: Step one foot forward into a lunge and sink, stretching the hip flexors, including the Rectus Femoris.
- Pigeon Pose: A yoga position extending the hip and targeting the Rectus Femoris significantly when modified to focus on this muscle.