Adductor magnus
Latin: M. adductor magnus sinistra
Location: Thigh
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the adductor magnus in 3DOrigin
Ischiopubic ramus and ischial tuberosity.
Insertion
Linea aspera, adductor tubercle of the femur; the hiatus between fibres transmits the femoral artery to the popliteal fossa.
Action
The most powerful thigh adductor; its hamstring part extends the hip. Stabilises the pelvis in stance.
Nerve supply
Posterior division of the obturator nerve (L2–L4); hamstring part by the tibial nerve.
Blood supply
Profunda femoris, obturator and inferior gluteal arteries.
Clinical relevance
Groin strains most often involve adductor longus, but adductor magnus can also tear; the adductor hiatus is a common site of atherosclerotic narrowing of the superficial femoral artery.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.