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Quadriceps:

Rectusfemoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius

Structure of the quadriceps muscle group

Pain referral zone:

Quadriceps pain referral zone

Vastus medialis 
Therapy on quadricepsThe quadriceps muscle group consists of four muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, intermedius, and vastus medialis. The rectus femoris originates at the anterior inferior iliac spine, the vastus intermedius originates on the anterolateral surface of the femur, and the vastus lateralis and medialis originate along the lateral and medial posterior surfaces of the femur. Together they form the patellar tendon, inserting inferiorly on the tibial tuberosity, and serve as extensors of the knee, with the rectus femoris also aiding in flexion of the hip.

Translation: The quadriceps muscle group ("quads") is made of four muscles along the front of the thigh. They all share the tendon that encloses the kneecap and attaches to the top of the shin, and they extend your lower leg.
Three of them just work the knee joint, and the fourth, the one on top and in the middle of the front of your thigh, also helps raise your thigh (along with iliopsoas). Trigger points in these muscles can cause pain in your knee and all along the front and outside of your thigh as far up as your pelvis. Trigger points in quadriceps are one of the chief causes of knee pain in both children and adults.
NOTE: Drs. Travell and Simons say, "Unexplained thigh and knee pain in children, even in infants, is more frequently due to quadriceps femoris TrPs [trigger points] than is generally realized. These youngsters with thigh and knee pain should be examined for TrPs."


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