Pectineus Flashcards

Study pectineus anatomy, including its pubic origin, femoral insertion, variable innervation, hip movements, and femoral triangle relationships.

Card 1 of 27Question

Where is the pectineus muscle located?

In the proximal anteromedial thigh, immediately inferior to the inguinal ligament.

In This Section

1. Where is the pectineus muscle located?

In the proximal anteromedial thigh, immediately inferior to the inguinal ligament.

2. Which thigh compartment is the pectineus commonly classified with?

The medial compartment, although it lies at the junction of the anterior and medial compartments.

3. What is the general shape of the pectineus muscle?

A flat, quadrangular muscle.

4. Which pelvic bone provides the origin of pectineus?

The pubis.

5. What is the principal bony origin of pectineus?

The pecten pubis on the superior ramus of the pubis.

6. Which adjacent pubic surface also contributes to the origin of pectineus?

The anterior surface of the superior pubic ramus.

7. Where does pectineus insert on the femur?

The pectineal line of the femur, inferior to the lesser trochanter.

8. In which direction do pectineus muscle fibers travel?

Inferolaterally and posteriorly from the pubis toward the proximal femur.

9. What are the two principal actions of pectineus?

Flexion and adduction of the thigh at the hip.

10. Which rotational movement can pectineus assist at the hip?

Medial rotation, although its rotational contribution varies with hip position.

11. Which joint is crossed by pectineus?

The hip joint.

12. Which nerve most commonly innervates pectineus?

The femoral nerve.

13. Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the usual femoral nerve supply of pectineus?

L2 and L3.

14. Which additional nerve may contribute to pectineus innervation?

The obturator nerve, occasionally through its anterior division or an accessory obturator nerve.

15. What is the accessory obturator nerve's relationship to pectineus?

When present, it may supply the muscle and pass deep to it.

16. Which arteries contribute to the blood supply of pectineus?

Branches of the medial circumflex femoral, obturator, and femoral arteries.

17. Which venous systems receive drainage from pectineus?

The femoral and profunda femoris venous systems through accompanying muscular veins.

18. Which anatomical space has pectineus as part of its floor?

The femoral triangle.

19. Which muscle lies lateral to pectineus in the floor of the femoral triangle?

Iliopsoas.

20. Which muscle lies medial to pectineus in the proximal thigh?

Adductor longus.

21. Which muscle lies deep to pectineus?

Obturator externus.

22. Which major blood vessels lie anterior to pectineus in the proximal thigh?

The femoral vessels, particularly the femoral vein.

23. Which fascial structure covers the anterior surface of pectineus?

The pectineal fascia, a deep fascial covering continuous with the fascia lata.

24. Why is pectineus anatomically unusual among medial thigh muscles?

It commonly receives femoral nerve innervation rather than the obturator nerve supply typical of the adductor group.

25. How can pectineus strength be assessed clinically?

By testing resisted hip flexion and adduction, although other muscles also contribute.

26. What functional deficit may occur following injury to the nerve supplying pectineus?

Some weakness of hip flexion and adduction, usually accompanied by deficits in other muscles.

27. Which imaging modalities can evaluate pectineus muscle strains or tears?

Musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).