The Adductor Longus is a skeletal muscle located in the inner thigh. It is one of the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh, primarily involved in the adduction of the hip, where it pulls the thigh towards the midline of the body. The muscle is known for its long, slender shape and contributes to the movement and stabilization of the hip joint.
Location
The Adductor Longus is located in the medial (inner) part of the thigh. It originates from the pubis bone, near the pubic symphysis, and extends down the length of the thigh, inserting into the middle third of the linea aspera on the posterior aspect of the femur. It lies anteriorly to the Adductor Magnus and posteriorly to the Sartorius and Gracilis muscles.
Anatomy
The Adductor Longus muscle is a significant structure in the medial compartment of the thigh, with specific anatomical features that enable its functions in hip movement and stabilization.
Origin
The Adductor Longus originates from the anterior surface of the pubis bone, just below the pubic crest and near the pubic symphysis. This origin point places it in a strategic position for influencing movement at the hip joint.
Insertion
The muscle extends diagonally downward and laterally across the medial aspect of the thigh and inserts into the middle third of the linea aspera on the posterior side of the femur. This long, narrow ridge serves as an attachment site for several thigh muscles.
Structure
The Adductor Longus is a long, triangular muscle. It begins with a pointed origin at the pubis and widens as it extends down the thigh. Its fibers run almost vertically, converging into a flat, narrow tendon before attaching to the femur. The muscle is situated between the Adductor Magnus and Adductor Brevis muscles and is one of the more superficial muscles in the adductor group.
Relations
- Anteriorly: The Adductor Longus is overlaid by the Sartorius and Gracilis muscles and is superficial to the Adductor Brevis and part of the Adductor Magnus.
- Posteriorly: It lies anterior to the Adductor Magnus and is separated from this larger muscle by neurovascular structures passing to the posterior thigh.
- Medially: The muscle is bordered by the Gracilis and other medial structures of the thigh.
- Laterally: It is in close relation to the vastus medialis muscle of the quadriceps group.
Blood Supply
The Adductor Longus receives its blood supply from the obturator artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery, and from the femoral artery. These vessels provide the necessary oxygen and nutrients for muscle function.
Innervation
The muscle is innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the L2, L3, and L4 nerve roots. This nerve provides the signals required for muscle contraction and movement.
Function
The Adductor Longus muscle has several key functions related to movement and stabilization of the lower limb:
- Hip Adduction: The primary function of the Adductor Longus is to adduct the thigh, which means pulling the leg toward the midline of the body. This action is essential for movements such as crossing one leg over the other or stabilizing the leg during walking and running.
- Hip Flexion: The Adductor Longus also assists in flexing the hip joint, contributing to movements that bring the thigh forward, such as in kicking or stepping forward.
- Medial Rotation of the Thigh: Although not its main role, the Adductor Longus can help medially rotate the thigh when the hip is flexed, turning the leg inward.
Clinical Significance
The Adductor Longus muscle holds significant clinical relevance due to its role in lower limb movement and its susceptibility to injury:
Groin Strains: One of the most common injuries associated with the Adductor Longus is a groin strain, which occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn. This type of injury is prevalent in athletes, particularly those involved in sports requiring quick changes in direction or intense side-to-side movements.
Hip and Pelvic Stability: The Adductor Longus contributes to the stability of the hip and pelvis, especially during activities that require balancing on one leg. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle can lead to altered gait patterns and increased risk of falls and other lower limb injuries.
Adductor Tendinopathy: Chronic overuse or repetitive stress can lead to tendinopathy in the Adductor Longus, characterized by pain and tenderness near the pubic bone, where the muscle originates. This condition can significantly impact mobility and athletic performance.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Understanding the function and anatomy of the Adductor Longus is crucial in designing effective rehabilitation programs for injuries involving the hip and thigh. Strengthening and stretching exercises targeting the adductor muscles are often included in recovery protocols to restore function and prevent future injuries.
Diagnostic Imaging: The Adductor Longus is often examined using ultrasound or MRI in cases of groin pain or suspected hip pathology to diagnose muscle strains, tendinopathy, or other conditions affecting the muscle.
