[TA] central deep head of quadriceps muscle of anterior (extensor) compartment of thigh; origin, upper three fourths of anterior surface of shaft of femur; insertion, tibial tuberosity by way of common tendon of quadriceps femoris and patellar ligament; action, extends leg; nerve supply, femoral. SYN: musculus vastus intermedius [TA], crureus, femoral muscle, intermediate great muscle, intermediate vastus (muscle).