Large adductor muscle (M. adductor magnus)

Latin: Musculus adductor magnus

Definition

The large adductor muscle is the largest muscle of the adductor group on the inside of the thigh. It runs from the middle lower edge of the pelvis (pubic bone and ischium) to the thigh bone, where its insertion area extends over virtually the entire length of the bone body. Adduction is the Latin word for adduction. The main task of the large adductor muscles is to bring the leg closer to the body. This has a stabilizing effect during many everyday movements, such as walking, but also during sporting activities, for example when playing soccer.

History

Attachment: The upper (proximal) fibers of the muscle attach to the roughening of the femur at its back (Linea aspera). The lower (distal) fibers extend to the lower inner end of the femur, where they attach to a “bump”. (Tuberculum adductorium) Origin: Lower part of the pubic bone (Ramus inferior ossis pubitis) and ischial tuberosity (Tuber ischiadicum) Innervation: N. obturatorius (L2-L4) and N. tibialis (L4-L5)

Function

The large adductor muscle runs from the top center front (pubic bone / ischial tuberosity) diagonally outward and downward to the rear. Its main function is thus to bring the thigh to the middle of the body (adduction). Due to its extensive attachment to the thigh, however, it can also fulfill other functions.

For example, its lower fibers, which start at the end of the thigh, lead to the extension of the leg during a contraction (hip joint extension). Since the muscle fibers of the muscle have two different approaches, it can be divided into two parts. One part starts further up the long tubular part of the thigh (Linea aspera), the other at the lower inner end of the thigh (Tuberculum adductorium at the epicondylus medialis).

These two parts form a small gap, the so-called Hiatus tendineus. At this point, the muscle together with two other thigh muscles (M. adductor longus, M. vastus medialis) form the adductor canal (Canalis adductorius). This canal represents the point of passage for the major vessels of the leg (femoral artery and femoral vein) and the saphenous nerve. Thus, the large adductor muscle has an important anatomical significance apart from its movement function.