The quadriceps is a group of muscles along the front of the thigh. It consists of the quadriceps femoris, the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and the vastus intermedius. A pulled or strained quadriceps muscle can be identified by a pain in the front of the thigh. A severe tear is abrupt, sudden, and results in acute pain during the activity (often sprinting) and may be accompanied by swelling or bruises on the thigh.
