The Quadriceps are a group of muscles that make up the overall mass of the legs. Together, they form one of the largest muscle groups on the human body.
A physique that has acquired a big, strong set of legs will not only look good, but will also possess many physical benefits. Having strong Quadriceps has a huge carryover into sport. For example, studies have a shown a direct correlation between the most weight squatted relative to bodyweight, and vertical jump height.
But in terms of bodybuilding and aesthetics, a physique will simply not look ‘complete’ until the Quadriceps are sufficiently developed.
Quadriceps Muscles
The Quadriceps consists of four muscles:
1) Vastus Medialis
2) Vastus Lateralis
3) Vastus Intermedius
4) Rectus Femoris
Out of the 4 muscles, 3 originate in the Femur bone of the thigh:
? Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis and Vastus Intermedius
These insert into the Common Quadriceps Tendon; they are monoarticular (affects only one joint of the body). These muscles perform a function known as knee extension – straightening the knee.
The Rectus Femoris is the only muscle of the Quadriceps that is biarticular (working at 2 joints:)
? The knee
? The hip
It does this by anteriorly connecting into the hip to assist with hip flexion.
