Origin

Pectineal line on superior branch of pubis

Insertion

From lesser trochanter to linea aspera of femur

Actions

Flexes thigh, assists in adduction when hip is flexed

Nerve

Femoral nerve (L2, L3), sometimes a branch of obturator nerve

Note

The rotational component of thigh muscle action depends on the starting position of the hip joint:

  • The pectineus, Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis, and [[psoasmajor] probably assist in medial rotation when the thigh is in anatomical position but may shift to assisting in lateral rotation as the thigh flexes and abducts.
  • The Iliacus and adductor tubercle part of Adductor Magnus probably assist in medial rotation throughout the range of motion of the hip joint
  • The linea aspera part of the Adductor Magnus may be a slight lateral rotator.