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Adductor muscles are a group of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh that are responsible for bringing the legs inwards towards each other (adduction) when the leg is extended and stabilizing the pelvis in more controlled activities such as walking. Adductor muscles include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, and adductor magnus. The adductors originate on the pubis and ischium bones and insert mainly on the medial posterior surface of the femur. Strain of the adductor muscles is the underlying cause of a 'groin strain', among the most common sports injuries.
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What You'll Learn
Adductor muscles are a group of three muscles in the inner thigh
The adductor muscles are important in sports, particularly in soccer, where they are the second most commonly injured muscle group, with a recovery time of up to 20 weeks. Strain of the adductor muscles is the underlying cause of a "groin strain," one of the most common sports injuries. Weakness and injury to the adductor muscle group can lead to problems such as groin pain, hip pain, and knee pain. Studies in rugby players have shown that if the ratio of abductor to adductor strength is less than 80%, the injury risk is 17 times higher than for those with a greater than 80% ratio.
The adductor muscles are often targeted in strength training, rehabilitation, and preventative programs. Exercises that help build strength for the adductor muscles are crucial for the rehabilitation of the groin, hip, and knee and should be part of any sports-related prevention programs. Some exercises that focus on the adductors include thigh squeezes with a ball.
In addition to the three primary adductor muscles, the gracilis muscle is also sometimes included as part of the adductor muscle group. The obturator externus, pectineus, gemelli (superior and inferior), and quadratus femoris may also be included by some authorities.
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They bring the legs inwards and stabilise the pelvis
Adductor muscles are a group of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh that bring the legs inwards and stabilise the pelvis. There are four primary muscles in this group: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. These muscles are responsible for moving the thigh or lower extremity closer to the body's central axis, a movement known as adduction.
The adductor muscles originate on the pubis and ischium bones and insert mainly on the medial posterior surface of the femur. The adductor magnus, the largest muscle in the medial compartment, lies posteriorly to the other muscles and is the most commonly injured. It divides into its adductor (pubofemoral) and hamstring (ischiocondylar) portions, with the adductor portion comprising approximately 70% of the muscle. The adductor longus is a large, flat muscle that partially covers the adductor brevis and magnus, forming the medial border of the femoral triangle. The adductor brevis is a short muscle that lies underneath the adductor longus. The gracilis is the most superficial and medial of the hip adductors, crossing both the hip and knee joints.
In addition to the four primary muscles, other muscles that assist in adduction include the pectineus, obturator externus, gemelli (superior and inferior), and quadratus femoris. The pectineus muscle, in particular, plays a role in hip flexion. All the hip adductors are innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus.
The adductor muscles are crucial in stabilising the pelvis during controlled activities such as walking and running. They help to maintain balance and posture, especially during the stance phase of gait. Weakness or injury to the adductor muscle group can lead to issues such as groin pain, hip pain, and knee pain. Therefore, exercises that focus on strengthening the adductor muscles are essential for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
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The adductor magnus is the largest adductor muscle
Adductor muscles are a group of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh. They are primarily used for bringing the thighs together (adduction) and rotating the upper leg inwards, as well as stabilising the hip. Adductor muscles originate on the pubis and ischium bones and insert on the medial posterior surface of the femur.
The adductor magnus has a dynamic stabilising function for the pelvis and femur, similar to the deltoid muscle. One portion of the adductor magnus flexes the thigh and acts as a medial rotator, while the other extends the thigh and is a lateral rotator. Both portions adduct the thigh. The adductor magnus is a powerful and complex muscle, and its peak contractions are seen in positions of hip flexion, such as full squats.
The adductor magnus is the most commonly injured adductor muscle, with adductor tendinopathy being a common cause of groin pain and injury in athletes, particularly male athletes. Tight adductors can also cause knee pain, especially in runners. Adductor canal syndrome is another condition associated with the adductor magnus, resulting in acute arterial occlusion in younger men.
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The adductor longus is a large, flat muscle
Adductor muscles are a group of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh, primarily used for bringing the thighs together (called adduction). The adductor longus is a large, flat muscle located in the medial compartment of the thigh. It is fan-shaped and triangular, contributing to the formation of the adductor canal and femoral triangle, where it forms the medial boundary. The adductor longus muscle is involved in multiple actions, including adduction of the thigh at the hip joint. It originates from the anterior surface of the body of the pubis, inferior to the pubic crest and lateral to the pubic symphysis.
The adductor longus is one of four primary hip adductor muscles, along with the adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. These muscles work together to move the thigh or lower extremity closer to the body's central axis. The adductor longus is innervated by the obturator nerve, specifically the anterior division (L2-L4). This nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus, descending medial to the psoas major muscle to enter the pelvis. The obturator nerve supplies sensation to the upper medial thigh.
The adductor longus lies in front of the adductor magnus and adductor brevis muscles, as well as the anterior branch of the obturator nerve and deep femoral vessels. It partially covers the adductor brevis and magnus, forming the medial border of the femoral triangle. The adductor longus provides some medial rotation and contributes to the stability of the pelvis and lower extremity during gait, assisting in postural control.
The adductor muscles are susceptible to injuries, especially in sports, as strain of the adductor muscles is a common cause of groin strain or adductor tendinopathy. The adductor longus muscle cannot be tested in isolation, so all the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh are tested simultaneously by adducting the thigh at the hip joint against resistance while lying in the supine position with the knee extended.
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The adductor brevis is a short muscle
Adductor muscles are a group of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh that are primarily used for bringing the thighs together, a movement known as adduction. The adductor brevis is a short muscle that is a part of the adductor muscle group. It is one of the shortest muscles in the group and is a weak adductor of the thigh. The adductor brevis originates from the body of the pubis and inferior pubic rami and attaches to the linea aspera on the posterior surface of the femur. The muscle is narrow at its origin and widens into a triangular shape as it runs towards its insertion on the femur. The obturator externus muscle lies superiorly to the adductor brevis, and the gracilis and adductor magnus muscles run along its inferior aspect. The adductor brevis is innervated by the obturator nerve and receives its blood supply from the deep femoral artery and its branch, the artery for the adductors. The main function of the adductor brevis is the adduction of the thigh, which is particularly active when the thigh is flexed and during the gait cycle. The muscle also plays a role in external rotation and flexion of the hip, helping to maintain balance and shift the centre of gravity onto the supporting foot while standing and walking.
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Frequently asked questions
Adductor muscles are muscles that draw a body part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity.
There are four primary adductor muscles: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gracilis. Other adductor muscles include the adductor pollicis and the adductor hallucis.
Adductor muscles are responsible for bringing the legs inwards toward each other and stabilizing the pelvis during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
Adductor muscles are located in the medial compartment of the thigh, also known as the inner thigh.
Adductor muscle strain is a common injury, particularly in soccer and rugby players. It can lead to groin pain, hip pain, and knee pain.
