Final answer:
The rectus femoris muscle originates from the iliac spine of the pelvic girdle and inserts into the patella. Its action is to extend the leg and flex the thigh.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rectus femoris is one of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh that helps to extend the leg and flex the thigh. It originates from the iliac spine of the pelvic girdle and inserts into the patella through the quadriceps tendon.