Home > Anatomy & Physiology > Muscles > Rectus Femoris

Rectus Femoris

The Rectus Femoris muscle is part of the Quadriceps muscle group. It is the only muscle of the group which crosses the hip joint and is a powerful knee extensor when the hip is extended, but is weak when the hip is flexed.

Origin

• Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS)

Insertion

• Top of the patella and the patella tendon to the tibial tuberosity

Actions

• Flexion of the hip
• Extension of the knee

Innervation

• Femoral nerve

Daily uses

• Kicking a football

How can I stretch it?

• Standing quad stretch
• Laying quad stretch
• Hip flexor stretch

How can I strengthen it?

• Knee extension machine
• Squats
• Lunges