Which muscle is the only muscle of the lateral thigh?

• A. Vastus Lateralis
• B. Gluteus Medius
• C. Tensor Fasciae Latae
• D. Vastus Medialis

Answer: (A)

Focus on where the muscle sits on the body. The lateral thigh is the outer side of the thigh, and the vastus lateralis runs along that outer edge as part of the quadriceps group. It is the only option among the choices that lies on the lateral aspect of the thigh. The gluteus medius lives higher, in the hip/buttock region; the tensor fasciae latae sits at the lateral hip and contributes to the iliotibial band; the vastus medialis is on the inner (medial) side of the thigh. So the muscle that truly characterizes the lateral thigh region is the vastus lateralis.