pectineus
Summary
The pectineus is a flat, quadrangular muscle in the anteromedial thigh that acts as both a hip flexor and adductor. It belongs to the medial (adductor) compartment but is unique in receiving dual innervation from both the femoral and obturator nerves. It forms part of the floor of the femoral triangle.
Detail
Origin: Pectineal line of the pubis (pecten pubis). Insertion: Pectineal line of the femur, just distal to the lesser trochanter. Action: Flexion and adduction of the hip joint. Innervation: Primarily the femoral nerve (L2-L4), though it frequently receives an accessory branch from the obturator nerve, reflecting its developmental position at the border of the anterior and medial thigh compartments. Blood supply: Medial circumflex femoral artery and obturator artery. Clinical significance: The pectineus forms part of the floor of the femoral triangle (along with the iliopsoas), which also contains the femoral nerve, artery, vein, and deep inguinal lymph nodes (NAVEL from lateral to medial). It is relevant in femoral hernia repair, hip surgery approaches, and groin strain injuries. The muscle can be used as a landmark during femoral vessel catheterization and in orthopedic procedures involving the hip. Weakness can be tested as part of hip adductor strength assessment, useful in evaluating L2-L4 nerve root or obturator/femoral nerve pathology.
Sources
- Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy
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