Which muscle is located at the front of the thigh?

The quadriceps muscle group is indeed located at the front of the thigh and is primarily responsible for extending the knee and plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. Comprising four muscles – the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis – the quadriceps are essential for activities that require strength and stabilization of the knee joint.

The sartorius, while also a muscle of the thigh, runs diagonally across the front, but it is not as prominent in location or function as the quadriceps with respect to the entire front of the thigh. The hamstring group, located at the back of the thigh, is responsible for flexing the knee and extending the hip, which is opposed to the quadriceps' function. The gluteus maximus, situated in the buttock area, contributes to hip movements but is not involved in the structure of the thigh’s front. Thus, when considering the primary muscle group responsible for movement at the front of the thigh, the quadriceps clearly fulfills this role.