Corpus: Thigh adductors

The hamstring adductors, also known simply as "adductors", are a muscle group on the medial side of the thigh. The name of this muscle group is derived from its main function, adduction - the bringing up of the thigh.

The adductor group of the thigh includes:

• Musculus adductor longus
• Musculus adductor brevis
• Musculus adductor magnus
• Musculus adductor minimus (cranial split of the adductor magnus muscle)
• Gracilis muscle
• Pectineus muscle

In addition to its function as an external rotator, the obturator externus muscle has a supporting effect in adduction, which is why some authors categorise it as part of the adductor group.

The origin of the adductor muscles extends from the inferior ramus of the pubic bone to the ischial tuberosity. Their insertion extends from the lesser trochanter along the dorsal side of the thigh to the medial lower edge of the thigh bone (femur). The gracilis muscle reaches the ventral side of the tibia.

The main function of the adductor muscles is the adduction of the thigh in the hip joint. Depending on the position of the individual muscle, the adductor muscles can also be involved in flexion and extension or external rotation and internal rotation in the hip joint. Only the gracilis muscle causes flexion and internal rotation in the knee joint.

All adductor muscles are innervated by the obturator nerve (segments L2-L4). The femoral nerve is also involved in the innervation of the pectineus muscle and the tibial nerve in that of the adductor magnus muscle.

Adductor strain caused by sudden overloading or overstretching of the thigh adductors is a common sports injury. An adductor spasm, which results in the inability to stand and walk, occurs in the event of nervous overexcitation, e.g. in the context of Little's disease.