Structure/Morphology
The tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle (quadriceps tendon) is the broad, strong tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The fibers of the four muscles that form the quadriceps femoris (i.e., the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis muscles) all travel inferiorly and converge to form the tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle in the distal one third of the thigh.
The fibers of this tendon travel superficial to the patella, where they become continuous with the patellar ligament at the apex of the patella, which inserts onto the tibial tuberosity.
Anatomical Relations
The tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle is located:
- anterior (superficial) to the capsule of the knee joint and the suprapatellar bursa;
- posterior (deep) to the subcutaneous prepatellar bursa;
- medial to the lateral patellar retinaculum and lateral patellofemoral ligament;
- lateral to the medial patellar retinaculum and medial patellofemoral ligament.
The patella is embedded within the tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle, acting as its sesamoid bone.
Function
The combined tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle and patellar ligament attach the muscle bellies of the quadriceps femoris muscle to the tibial tuberosity.
This insertion site allows the quadriceps muscle to be able to extend the leg at the knee joint.
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Quadriceps Tendon
The quadriceps tendon is the common tendon formed between the myofascial junctions of the superficial layer of the rectus femoris muscle, the middle layers of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles, and the deep layer of the vastus intermedius muscle.
