Which muscle is located on the anterior of the upper leg?

• A. Quadriceps
• B. Hamstrings
• C. Calf
• D. Gluteus maximus

Answer: (A)

The main concept is the location of muscles on the front of the thigh. The muscle group that sits on the anterior upper leg is the quadriceps femoris, often simply called the quadriceps. This group consists of four muscles that run along the front of the thigh and are the primary extensors of the knee (and, for the rectus femoris, also assist with hip flexion).

The other options don’t fit the location: the hamstrings are on the back of the thigh and flex the knee; the calf is in the lower leg near the ankle; and the gluteus maximus is in the buttock region, far from the upper anterior thigh.