Pectineus muscle

Pectineus muscle is a flat, quadrangular muscle situated at the anterior (front) part of the upper and medial (inner) aspect of the thigh. The pectineus muscle is the most anterior adductor of the hip. The muscle does adduct and medially rotate the thigh but its primary function is hip flexion.

Etymology

The term "pectineus" is derived from the Latin word "pecten", which means comb, as the muscle is comb-like in shape.

Structure

The pectineus muscle originates from the pectineal line of the pubis and to a slight extent from the surface of bone in front of it, between the iliopectineal eminence and pubic tubercle, and from the fascia covering the anterior surface of the muscle. The fibers, directed downward, backward, and lateral, converge to a strong, flat tendon, which is inserted into the pectineal line of the femur, which leads to the lesser trochanter.

Function

The pectineus muscle is primarily responsible for hip flexion. It also adducts and medially rotates the thigh. As the most anterior adductor of the hip, the pectineus is in a position where it is optimized to flex the hip.

Clinical significance

Injury to the pectineus muscle or nerve can cause a pectineus muscle strain or groin pain. This can occur in activities that involve kicking, running or changing directions quickly, such as in football, soccer, and martial arts.

See also

• Adductor muscles of the hip
• Hip flexors
• Groin strain

References

Pectineus muscle Resources
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