Adductor longus
Musculus adductor longus
The most anterior adductor, a fan-shaped muscle from the body of the pubis to the middle third of the linea aspera. Its tendon is the commonest site of groin strain.
Overview
Adductor longus arises by a strong, rounded tendon from the anterior body of the pubis, just below the pubic crest and lateral to the symphysis. The tendon is easily felt in the groin when the thigh is adducted against resistance. The muscle widens into a triangular belly that inserts on the middle third of the linea aspera. Its medial border forms the medial border of the femoral triangle, and its anterior surface forms part of the floor of the adductor canal.
It adducts the thigh and assists flexion and medial rotation. It is supplied by the anterior division of the obturator nerve.
Anatomy
- Origin
Body of the pubis, inferior to the pubic crest.
- Insertion
Middle third of the linea aspera of the femur.
- Action
Adduction of the thigh; assists flexion.
- Innervation
Obturator nerve (anterior division).
- Nerve roots
L2–L4
- Arterial supply
Profunda femoris artery and medial circumflex femoral artery; obturator artery.
- Relations
Medial border of the femoral triangle. The femoral vessels in the adductor canal lie on it. The profunda femoris artery and vein pass behind it.
Function
- Adducts the thigh
- Assists hip flexion and medial rotation
Clinical significance
Adductor-related groin pain
Acute strain or chronic tendinopathy at the pubic origin is the most common cause of athletic groin pain. It is diagnosed by tenderness and pain on resisted adduction.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Muscular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.