Massage & Bodywork

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2018

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FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY education The adductor magnus is the largest adductor muscle of the thigh. Along with several other adductor muscles, the adductor magnus connects the inferior, medial pelvic girdle to the femur. The broad fibers of the adductor magnus are nearly continuous, following the entire length of the femur, attaching on the medial edge of the linea aspera. Despite its large size, the adductor magnus is located deep in the medial thigh, making it a challenge to palpate. Anteriorly, it lies deep to the pectineus, adductor longus, and adductor brevis. Posteriorly, the adductor magnus lies deep to the hamstring muscles, but is superficial at the proximal portion of the posteromedial thigh. Functionally, the adductor magnus joins the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, and gracilis in pulling the femur toward the midline. This is most apparent when the foot on the same side is not planted. Activating the adductor group helps position the lower extremity for heel strike when walking and running. The adductor magnus is also recruited for kicking during activities like soccer or football. The main function of the adductor magnus occurs when the foot is planted. Here it helps stabilize the pelvis over the femur. The adductor magnus is able to stabilize and maintain a neutral pelvic position due to its broad origin. It also pulls the pelvis medially, anteriorly, or posteriorly, centering it over the lower extremity. Without it and the other adductors, the pelvis would shift medially over the knee, compromising stability and alignment in the lower extremity. The role of the adductor magnus and the other adductors also changes with the position of the femur. When the hip is flexed and the femur is forward, the adductors will extend the hip to bring the pelvis over the foot. When the hip is extended and the femur is Adductor Magnus By Christy Cael 48 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 ADDUCTOR MAGNUS Attachments • Origin: Inferior ramus of pubis, ramus of the ischium, and ischial tuberosity • Insertion: Medial lip of linea aspera, medial supracondylar line, and adductor tubercle of the femur Actions • Adducts the hip • Flexes the hip (anterior fibers) • Extends the hip (posterior fibers) Innervation • Obturator and sciatic nerves • L2–S1

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