Abductor

Anatomical term for a muscle that moves a limb away from the midline of the body

Abductor

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Abductor pollicis longus muscle (highlighted in red)
Latin	musculus abductor
Nerve	Various, depending on specific muscle

The term abductor refers to a group of muscles in the human body that are responsible for moving a limb or part away from the midline of the body. This action is known as abduction. Abductor muscles are found in various regions of the body, including the upper and lower limbs.

Anatomy

Abductor muscles are typically named for the body part they move. Some of the key abductor muscles include:

• Abductor pollicis longus: This muscle is located in the forearm and is responsible for abducting the thumb.
• Abductor pollicis brevis: Found in the hand, this muscle also aids in the abduction of the thumb.
• Abductor digiti minimi: This muscle is located in the hand and abducts the little finger.
• Abductor hallucis: Located in the foot, this muscle abducts the big toe.
• Abductor digiti minimi (foot): This muscle abducts the little toe.
• Gluteus medius: A major abductor of the thigh, located in the buttocks.
• Gluteus minimus: Works alongside the gluteus medius to abduct the thigh.

Function

The primary function of abductor muscles is to move a limb away from the body's midline. This movement is crucial for various activities, such as walking, running, and grasping objects. For example, the abductor muscles of the hip, such as the gluteus medius and minimus, stabilize the pelvis during walking and running, preventing the opposite side of the pelvis from dropping.

Clinical Significance

Weakness or injury to abductor muscles can lead to functional impairments. For instance, weakness in the hip abductors can result in a Trendelenburg gait, where the pelvis drops on the side opposite to the weakness during walking. This can be due to nerve damage, muscle strain, or other musculoskeletal disorders.

Also see

• Adductor muscle
• Muscle contraction
• Musculoskeletal system
• Trendelenburg gait