Adductor Magnus

• Click here for access to the full Anatomy Glossary.
• Right click on the image for a downloadable file of this muscle.
• Use of this artwork requires proper credit to be given (Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino. www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti)

The Adductor Magnus is a member of the Adductor Group, which is composed of (from lateral to medial) the:

• Pectineus
• Adductor longus
• Gracilis (aka Adductor gracilis)
• Adductor brevis
• Adductor magnus

The Adductor Magnus has two heads: Anterior head and Posterior head.

ATTACHMENTS:

• The adductor magnus attaches from the pubic bone and ischium to the gluteal tuberosity, linea aspera, medial supracondylar line, and the adductor tubercle (all on the femur)
  • Like the hamstrings, the posterior head of the adductor magnus also attaches onto the ischial tuberosity.

ACTIONS:

• Adducts the thigh at the hip joint.
• Extends the thigh at the hip joint.
• Medially rotates the thigh at the hip joint.
• Posteriorly tilts the pelvis at the hip joint.
• Ipsilaterally elevates the pelvis at the hip joint.
• Ipsilaterally rotates the pelvis at the hip joint.

NOTE: The adductor magnus (specifically the posterior head) is sometimes called the “4th Hamstring” because it attaches onto the ischial tuberosity, extends the hip joint, and is innervated by the sciatic nerve, all like the hamstrings.