The adductor brevis is a muscle in the thigh situated immediately
deep to the
pectineus and
adductor longus. It belongs to the
adductor muscle group. The main function of the adductor brevis is to pull the thigh
medially. The adductor brevis and the rest of the adductor muscle group is also used to stabilize left to right movements of the
trunk, when standing on both feet, or to balance when standing on a moving surface. The adductor muscle group is used pressing the
thighs together to ride a horse, and kicking with the inside of the foot in soccer or swimming. Last, they contribute to
flexion
Motion, the process of movement, is described using specific anatomical terminology, anatomical terms. Motion includes movement of Organ (anatomy), organs, joints, Limb (anatomy), limbs, and specific sections of the body. The terminology used de ...
of the thigh when running or against resistance (squats, jumping, etc.).
Structure
It is somewhat triangular in form, and arises by a narrow origin from the outer surfaces of the body of the pubis and
inferior ramus of the
pubis, between the
gracilis and
obturator externus.
The Adductor brevis muscle widens in triangular fashion to be inserted into the upper part of the linea aspera immediately lateral to the insertion of pectineus and above that of adductor longus.
Relations
By its anterior surface, the adductor brevis is in relation with the
pectineus,
adductor longus, and anterior branches of the
obturator artery, the
obturator vein, and the
obturator nerve.
By its posterior surface with the
adductor magnus
The adductor magnus is a large triangular muscle, situated on the medial side of the thigh.
It consists of two parts. The portion which arises from the ischiopubic ramus (a small part of the inferior ramus of the pubis, and the inferior ramu ...
and the posterior branches of the
obturator artery, the obturator vein, and the obturator nerve.
By its outer border with the
obturator externus, and the
iliopsoas. By its inner border with the
gracilis and adductor magnus.
It is pierced near its insertion by the middle
perforating artery.
Innervation
The adductor brevis is innervated dually by the anterior and posterior branches of the obturator nerve.
Function
The muscle is primarily known as a
hip adductor. It also functions as a
hip flexor. Whether it acts to rotate the femur laterally or medially is dependent on position.
References
Additional images
Image:Gray433.png, Deep muscles of the medial femoral region.
External links
*
*
PTCentral
{{Authority control
Hip adductors
Hip flexors
Thigh muscles
Medial compartment of thigh