GENERAL INFORMATION
The adductor longus is a muscle located in the medial compartment of the thigh. It is part of the hip adductor muscle group and plays a role in hip adduction, bringing the leg closer to the midline of the body. The adductor longus is involved in movements such as walking, running, and side-to-side motions.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from the pubic bone, specifically the body and inferior ramus of the pubis.
INSERTION POINT
The adductor longus muscle inserts onto the middle third of the linea aspera, which is a ridge on the back of the femur bone.
MAJOR ARTERIES
This muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the obturator artery, which arises from the internal iliac artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The adductor longus muscle is innervated by the obturator nerve, which originates from the lumbar plexus. The obturator nerve provides motor innervation to the adductor longus muscle, controlling its contraction, and also carries sensory information from the region.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points may develop in the adductor longus muscle, causing localised pain and discomfort. These points can be triggered by muscle overuse, poor posture, or muscle imbalances.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The adductor longus muscle functions concentrically to perform hip adduction. It contracts to bring the leg toward the midline of the body.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The adductor longus muscle functions eccentrically to control hip abduction, where the leg moves away from the midline. It assists in managing the leg’s movement during activities such as walking or running.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The adductor longus muscle can contract isometrically to provide stability and support during static positions or when the hip joint needs to resist forces acting on it.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Adductor longus (Musculus adductor longus): Main muscle for hip adduction.
- Adductor brevis (Musculus adductor brevis): Assists in hip adduction and flexion.
- Adductor magnus (Musculus adductor magnus): Largest adductor muscle, aiding in hip adduction and extension.
- Gracilis (Musculus gracilis): Aids in hip adduction and knee flexion.
- Obturator externus (Musculus obturator externus): Assists in lateral rotation and adduction of the hip.
ANTAGONIST
The primary antagonist of the adductor longus muscle is the gluteus medius muscle. The coordinated action of the adductor longus muscle and the gluteus medius allows for balanced and controlled movements of the hip joint.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or tears: Due to sudden movements, overstretching, or repetitive stress.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse.
- Adductor muscle injuries: These are common in athletes involved in activities that require quick changes in direction or kicking motions.
EXERCISES
- Standing adduction exercises: Stand with your legs slightly apart and use a resistance band or cable machine to perform hip adduction exercises, bringing your legs toward the midline against resistance.
- Side-lying leg lifts with adduction: Lie on your side and lift the top leg while consciously squeezing the legs together during the movement to engage the adductor longus muscle.
- Inner thigh machine exercises: At the gym, use an inner thigh machine to perform adduction exercises that specifically target the adductor muscles.
STRETCHES
- Adductor stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs spread apart in a straddle position, lean forward, and reach toward one foot while keeping the other leg extended.
- Seated butterfly stretch: Sit on the floor and bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to gently fall to the sides and lean forward to stretch the adductor muscles.