Muscle
Adductor longus
Superficial adductor at the femoral triangle
High-yield
Longus lies in front of brevis. The anterior division of the obturator nerve reaches it, and its pull brings the thigh toward the body's midline.
Overview
Adductor longus spreads from a compact pubic attachment to a wider attachment along the back of the femur. Its medial-thigh position makes it both a hip adductor and the medial border of the femoral triangle.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Anterior surface of the pubic body below the crest
- Insertion
- Middle portion of the linea aspera on the femur
- Action
- Adducts the hip and can assist flexion and internal rotation, depending on hip position
- Innervation
- Anterior division of the obturator nerve, conventionally L2-L4
- Blood supply
- Obturator and profunda femoris branches
Clinical correlation
Adductor longus is a frequent site of sports-related groin strain, particularly with kicking or rapid direction changes. Pain can involve the muscle-tendon unit near the pubis; groin pain also has other possible causes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the adductor longus do?
The adductor longus adducts the hip and can assist flexion and internal rotation, depending on hip position.
What nerve innervates the adductor longus?
Anterior division of the obturator nerve, conventionally L2-L4.
Where does the adductor longus attach?
Origin: Anterior surface of the pubic body below the crest. Insertion: Middle portion of the linea aspera on the femur.
What is the blood supply of the adductor longus?
The adductor longus is supplied by the obturator and profunda femoris branches.