Lateral vast muscle
Musculus vastus lateralis
Extends the stifle.
- System
- Muscle
- Region
- Pelvic limb
- Sides
- Paired: left and right

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
- Lateral surface of the proximal femur and the greater trochanter.
- Insertion
- Patella, and through the patellar ligament the tibial tuberosity.
- Action
- Extends the stifle.
- Nerve
- Femoral nerve.
Written for Vetomica in its own words from the standard reference anatomy of the cat; the books it was checked against are listed below.
Terminology
- English
- Lateral vast muscle
- Latin (NAV)
- Musculus vastus lateralis
- Status
- A valid term in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria
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