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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Ball-and-Socket Joints
    e.g., shoulder, hip
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.

    Adductors

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.

    1. Overview

    The adductors are a group of muscles located in the medial compartment of the thigh primarily responsible for adduction of the hip joint—that is, drawing the leg toward the midline of the body. These muscles are critical in stabilizing the pelvis during walking, running, and standing. The adductor group includes five muscles: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, gracilis, and pectineus. They contribute to both locomotion and posture and are commonly involved in athletic activities that require sudden changes in direction.

    2. Location

    The adductor muscles are located in the medial thigh compartment, extending between the pelvis and the femur:

    • Proximal origin: Most originate from the inferior pubic ramus, ischial ramus, and body of the pubis.

    • Distal insertion: Insert primarily along the linea aspera of the femur, with the gracilis crossing the knee to insert on the tibia.

    They are positioned between the anterior thigh muscles (quadriceps) and posterior thigh muscles (hamstrings).

    3. Structure

    The adductor group comprises the following muscles:

    • Adductor longus:

      • Origin: Body of pubis

      • Insertion: Middle third of linea aspera of femur

    • Adductor brevis:

      • Origin: Inferior pubic ramus

      • Insertion: Proximal linea aspera

    • Adductor magnus:

      • Origin: Inferior pubic ramus and ischial tuberosity

      • Insertion: Linea aspera and adductor tubercle of femur

      • Has two parts: adductor (oblique) and hamstring (vertical) fibers

    • Gracilis:

      • Origin: Inferior pubic ramus

      • Insertion: Medial surface of proximal tibia (pes anserinus)

    • Pectineus:

      • Origin: Pectineal line of pubis

      • Insertion: Pectineal line of femur

      • Often considered a transitional muscle between the anterior and medial compartments

    Innervation is primarily via the obturator nerve (L2–L4), though the pectineus may also receive innervation from the femoral nerve, and the hamstring part of the adductor magnus is innervated by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve.

    4. Function

    The primary and accessory functions of the adductor muscles include:

    • Hip adduction: Drawing the thigh toward the body's midline.

    • Assisting flexion and extension:

      • Adductor longus and brevis assist with flexion.

      • Adductor magnus (hamstring part) assists with extension.

    • Stabilizing the pelvis: Prevents lateral pelvic tilt during gait or single-leg stance.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    The adductors play several roles in locomotion and athletic performance:

    • Medial stabilization: Support the alignment of the lower limb during walking, squatting, and jumping.

    • Dynamic control: Essential during changes of direction, lateral lunges, or cutting maneuvers in sports.

    • Postural balance: Help maintain equilibrium during single-leg activities and pelvic control during upright posture.

    • Core and limb coordination: Work synergistically with hip flexors, extensors, and abdominal muscles during complex movement patterns.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The adductors are frequently involved in musculoskeletal disorders and athletic injuries:

    • Groin strains:

      • Common in sports involving rapid direction changes; often affect the adductor longus.

      • Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and weakness with resisted adduction.

    • Adductor tendinopathy:

      • Chronic overuse injury due to repetitive strain, often seen in soccer and hockey players.

    • Pelvic instability:

      • Weakness in the adductors can lead to pelvic imbalance, affecting gait and posture.

    • Osteitis pubis:

      • Inflammation of the pubic symphysis often associated with overuse of the adductor group.

    • Rehabilitation importance:

      • Adductor strengthening is essential in recovery from hip and groin injuries, and in preventing recurrence.

    Did you know? The coccyx is the remnant of the tailbone in humans.