The large muscle group called the __________ _________ occupies the front and sides of the thigh and is the primary extensor of the knee. It is composed of the four parts–rectus femoriis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis. These parts connect the ilium and femur to a common patellar tendon, which passes over the front of the knee and attaches to the patella. This tendon then continues as the patellar ligament to the tibia. Because the rectus femoris originates on the ilium, it can flex the hip?