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Anatomy
Anatomy
Rectus Femoris
Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
hiphip-flexorquadricepstwo-joint-muscle
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In one line
A 2-joint quadriceps muscle that flexes the hip and extends the knee.
Detail
The rectus femoris is a 2-joint muscle. It flexes the hip joint and extends the knee joint. It makes its best contribution to hip flexion when the knee is maintained in a flexed position. It is a powerful extensor of the knee when the hip is extended, but weak when the hip is flexed. As one of the four quadriceps, it is involved in squats and leg extensions; in the 45-degree leg press there is little involvement of the rectus femoris.
Key facts
- 2-joint muscle: flexes the hip and extends the knee.
- Best hip-flexion contribution when the knee is flexed.
- Powerful knee extensor when the hip is extended; weak when the hip is flexed.
- Little involvement in the 45° leg press.
Connections
- hip-flexors — a primary hip flexor.
- quadriceps — one of the four quadriceps.
- two-joint-muscle — exemplifies 2-joint-muscle behavior.
SourceReference manual
p.40p.712p.720
Cited authorities in source: Yessis (1992).
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Explore related topics
Atlas Connections
Hip Flexors
The 4 major hip flexors — iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, sartorius — plus secondary flexors.Knee Joint Range of Motion
The knee is a hinge joint: extension 90°, flexion 120° (hamstring knee-flexion ROM stated as 125°).Quadriceps
The four knee extensors — rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius (rectus femoris also flexes the hip); knee ROM 90°.Two-Joint (2-Joint) Muscles
Muscles crossing two joints generate the greatest force when not required to shorten over both joints simultaneously; stabilize one joint when training them.