Adductor longus muscle

Adductor Longus Muscle

The adductor longus muscle is a skeletal muscle located in the thigh. It is one of the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh, primarily responsible for the adduction of the hip joint.

Anatomy

The adductor longus is a triangular muscle, which is the most anterior of the three adductor muscles of the thigh. It lies in the medial compartment of the thigh and is superficial to the adductor brevis and adductor magnus muscles.

Origin and Insertion

The adductor longus originates from the superior aspect of the pubis, below the pubic tubercle. It inserts into the middle third of the linea aspera of the femur.

Structure

The muscle is flat and thin, broadening as it descends. It is covered by the fascia lata and is bordered by the sartorius muscle laterally and the gracilis muscle medially.

Function

The primary function of the adductor longus is to adduct the thigh at the hip joint. It also assists in hip flexion and medial rotation of the thigh. This muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking and running.

Innervation

The adductor longus is innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the anterior divisions of the L2, L3, and L4 spinal nerves.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the adductor longus is primarily from the obturator artery and the deep femoral artery.

Clinical Significance

The adductor longus is commonly involved in groin injuries, especially in athletes. Overuse or acute strain can lead to pain and dysfunction, often referred to as "groin pull." Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Images

Muscles of the right leg, viewed from the front. The adductor longus is labeled at the center.

The adductor muscles of the hip, with the adductor longus visible at the top.

Related Pages

• Adductor magnus muscle
• Adductor brevis muscle
• Gracilis muscle
• Obturator nerve
• Medial compartment of thigh