Where it is
Lateral side of the thigh, from the greater trochanter to the patella.
What it does
Extends the knee as part of the quadriceps femoris, together with the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus intermedius.
Clinical relevance
- Preferred intramuscular site for infants and young children because it is well developed and away from major nerves.
- The injection site is the middle third of the muscle, between the greater trochanter and the knee.
Nursing focus
- Divide the thigh into thirds and inject into the middle third, on the anterolateral surface.