Rectus femoris muscle

About the rectus femoris muscle of the dog

Rectus femoris muscle is a muscle of the back leg (pelvic limb), one on each side of the body. Its name in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria is Musculus rectus femoris. Central, between the vasti; only head crossing the hip. You can turn it above, see it in place in the back leg of the dog, and open it inside the whole animal in Vetomica.

Where it runs from and to

A muscle is told apart from its neighbours by what it takes hold of at each end, which is also what decides what it does when it shortens.

Origin

Ilium, on a small area just cranial to the acetabulum.

Insertion

Tibial tuberosity, by way of the patella and patellar ligament.

Action

Extends the stifle and flexes the hip, being the one quadriceps head crossing both joints.

Nerve

Femoral nerve.

Written for Vetomica in its own words from the standard reference anatomy of the dog; the books it was checked against are listed below.

What it works on

Central, between the vasti; only head crossing the hip.

Bones it takes hold of

• Ilium
• Patella

Muscles and ligaments it works with

• Vastus lateralis
• Vastus medialis
• Vastus intermedius
• Sartorius cranial part
• Tensor of the fascia lata
• Iliacus

Terminology

English

Rectus femoris muscle

Latin (NAV)

Musculus rectus femoris

Status

A valid term in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria

References

Where to read this structure in full, and where the named parts above were read.

• NAV 2017Myologia: musculi membri pelvini
• Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 5th ed.The Muscular System: muscles of the pelvic limb
• König & LiebichMuscles of the pelvic limb
• Dyce, Sack & WensingThe hindlimb of the carnivores

Questions about the rectus femoris muscle

What is the Latin name of the rectus femoris muscle?

In the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, the rectus femoris muscle is called Musculus rectus femoris.

Where is the rectus femoris muscle of the dog?

Rectus femoris muscle is a muscle of the back leg (pelvic limb), one on each side of the body.

Which bones does the rectus femoris muscle attach to?

Rectus femoris muscle takes hold of Ilium and Patella.

Where does the rectus femoris muscle originate and insert?

Origin: Ilium, on a small area just cranial to the acetabulum. Insertion: Tibial tuberosity, by way of the patella and patellar ligament.

What nerve supplies the rectus femoris muscle?

Femoral nerve.

What does the rectus femoris muscle do?

Extends the stifle and flexes the hip, being the one quadriceps head crossing both joints.