The Relationship Between Additional Heads of the Quadriceps Femoris, the Vasti Muscles and the Patellar Ligament

Abstract Introduction: The quadriceps femoris consists of four muscles: the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis. However, the effect of additional quadriceps femoris heads on the vasti muscles and patellar ligaments is unknown.Materials and Methods: One hundred and six lower limbs (34 male and 19 female cadavers) fixed in 10% formalin were examined.Results: On all lower extremities, the vastus lateralis consisted of superficial, intermediate and deep layers. The vastus medialis, on the other hand, consisted of only the longus and obliquus layers. Additional quadriceps femoris heads affected both the vasti muscles and the patellar ligaments.Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between the presence of accessory quadriceps femoris heads and effects on vasti muscles and patellar ligament.