Synonyms
Latin: Musculus pectineus
Definition
The comb muscle belongs to the adductor group of the thigh. It is located in the upper, middle thigh and runs approximately from the front middle pelvis (pubic bone) to the upper inner thigh bone. If the muscle contracts, it pulls the thigh towards the middle of the body, which is called adduction, but it can also bend it, which is called flexion in the hip joint.
History
Embouchure: “Line of the pectoral muscle” on the upper inner thigh bone (Linea pectinea femoris) Origin: Pubic bone Innervation: N. femoralis and N. obturatorius (L2, L3)
Function
The direction of the muscle course can be summarized as from top center front (pubic bone) to bottom outside back (attachment to the thigh bone). If the muscle contracts, it can therefore fulfil three different functions: The slight downward movement of the muscle allows it to lift the thigh, e.g. when standing. This is known as flexion in the hip joint.
Because the muscle runs primarily from the middle of the body to the outside, its main function is adduction. It is therefore able to pull the thigh towards the middle of the body. Finally, due to its slightly retrograde course (from front to back), the muscle can turn the thigh outwards. Imagine the following: You grab the back of your right upper arm with your left hand and pull. The right arm will then turn outwards.
Common diseases
Overloading can lead to the typical muscle injuries such as pulled muscles, torn muscle fibers or complete muscle rupture, especially in athletes. Also (tendon) irritations can occur. Footballers in particular often complain of “adductor strain“, which can affect the comb muscle, among other things.
Strengthening and stretching
There are two ways to stretch the inner side of the thigh and thus the comb muscle. The athlete stands with approximately double the shoulder width (straddle step) and the toes point forward. The body weight is now shifted to one side, so that the leg of the side to be stretched is stretched approximately through, while the other leg is bent in the knee joint.
The upper body should be kept as straight as possible. The second variation is done while sitting. The soles of both feet touch each other while the knee joints are pressed towards the floor.
The strengthening of the pectoralis muscle can be done in the gym on special machines (“adductor machine“). Here the leg is guided inwards against a counterweight or resistance. Synergists: long and short adductor (Mm. adductores longus et brevis), large adductor (M. adductor magnus), slender muscle (M. gracilis) Antagonists: thigh muscle (M. tensor fasciae latae), small and medium gluteus muscle (Mm. gluteus minimus et medius)
