Pectineus (Musculus pectineus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A flat quadrangular muscle at the thigh root between femoral artery and long adductor, forming the floor of the femoral triangle; its mixed innervation makes it a "borderline" muscle between anterior and medial compartments.
Origin & insertion
Pectineal line and anterior surface of the superior pubic ramus.
Action
Flexes, adducts and slightly medially rotates the thigh — combining all three in the cross-legged seated movement.
Innervation
Femoral nerve chiefly, with a branch from the obturator nerve (L2–L4).
Clinical notes
Its pain overlaps with anterior groin strains in sport; distinguished from obturator injury because pain worsens on resisted hip flexion rather than rotation.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Pectineus?
A flat quadrangular muscle at the thigh root between femoral artery and long adductor, forming the floor of the femoral triangle; its mixed innervation makes it a "borderline" muscle between anterior and medial compartments.
Why is the Pectineus clinically important?
Its pain overlaps with anterior groin strains in sport; distinguished from obturator injury because pain worsens on resisted hip flexion rather than rotation.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details