Thirty-two human thighs were dissected to determine the anatomical organization of the two portions of the vastus lateralis muscle, and their relationships with associated structures the lateral retinaculum and iliotibial tract. In all of the cases, the vastus lateralis muscle consisted of a long, proximal portion, (the vastus lateralis longus - VLL), and an oblique, distal portion (the vastus lateralis obliquus - VLO). The oblique portion (VLO) originated from the aspera line of the femur and from the lateral intermuscular septum. The tendon of the VLO ran below and laterally to the long portion (VLL), which it subsequently joined on the superolateral border of the patella. The VLO also interdigitated with the lateral retinaculum and iliotibial tract. The VLL showed an extensive aponeurosis in its proximal two thirds. The gross morphology of the VL muscle agreed whith previous descriptions for this muscle and suggested that the VLO could play an important role in patella stabilization. This muscle could therefore be of clinical importance in the treatment of disorders involving the patellofemoral joint.