The adductor longus is a flat, large muscle that is located in the medial compartment of the thigh. It partially covers the adductor brevis and magnus muscles. This muscle originates from the pubic bone of the pelvis and expands into a fan shape. The distal attachment of the adductor longus extends along the linea aspera of the femur.
This muscle has the primary action of adduction of the thigh. The innervation of the adductor longus stem from the obturator nerve (L2-L4). Its blood supply is sourced from the obturator artery.
The adductor longus is located in the medial compartment of the thigh and is responsible for adduction of the thigh. It is a large, flat muscle that partially covers the adductor brevis and magnus muscles. The adductor longus originates from the pubic bone of the pelvis, expanding into a fan shape which has a broad distal attachment along the linea aspera of the femur.
This muscle has the primary action of adduction of the thigh. This activity is regulated by the innervation from the obturator nerve (L2-L4), with its blood supply sourced from the obturator artery. Figures 1 and 2 demonstrate the location of the adductor longus when compared to other muscles located in the medial compartment of the thigh, with the overlying muscles in the anterior compartment having been removed.
The adductor longus plays an important role in both the movement of the thigh and the protection of the adductor brevis and magnus. It has a distinct origin, action, and innervation when compared to other muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh, and it is visible in both anatomical diagrams and clinical imaging techniques.
Clinicians must be aware of the adductor longus when evaluating and treating patients with conditions related to the thigh. Knowledge of the location, attachment points, actions, and innervation of this muscle are all important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Patients should also be aware of the adductor longus and its importance. Adductor-related conditions such as hip pain, groin pain, and injuries of the thigh can be caused by imbalances in this muscle and its actions. Appropriate exercises and stretches can be beneficial for these conditions, but should always be performed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
The adductor longus is a key component to the movement and protection of the thigh. Knowledge of its role, origin, innervation, action, and location are essential for both healthcare professionals and patients for the proper diagnosis and treatment of muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh.
