Rectus Femoris: The rectus femoris is one of the four quadriceps muscles located in the front of the thigh, playing a crucial role in knee extension and hip flexion. It bridges the gap between the pelvis and the knee joint, facilitating movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
The name "rectus femoris" is derived from the Latin words "rectus" meaning "straight" and "femoris" relating to the femur, which reflects the muscle's straight course along the femur.
If the rectus femoris were absent or damaged, an individual would struggle with straightening the knee against resistance and might have significant difficulty in activities requiring leg elevation, compromised running ability, and reduced stability in standing.
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