adductor

An adductor is a muscle whose primary action is adduction, i.e., movement toward the midline of the body or toward a central axis. In human anatomy the term commonly refers to a group of muscles that pull the thigh toward the midline (hip adductors), but it can also denote muscles in the hand or foot that bring a structure toward the center of the limb.

In the thigh, the main adductors include the longus, brevis and magnus, the gracilis, and the pectineus. The adductor magnus consists of an adductor part and a hamstring part; the former is innervated by the obturator nerve and attaches from the ischiopubic ramus to the femur, while the latter is innervated by the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve and helps extend the thigh. The adductors originate on the pubis and ischium and insert on the femur, with actions including hip adduction and stabilization during gait. They may assist in hip flexion or extension depending on joint position and limb alignment.

In the hand, the adductor pollicis draws the thumb toward the palm; its oblique and transverse heads are innervated by the ulnar nerve. In the foot, the adductor hallucis helps adduct the big toe and supports the transverse arch; innervation by the lateral plantar nerve.

Clinical note: Strains of the groin, particularly the adductor longus, are common in athletes and may result from rapid movements or eccentric loading. Diagnosis is clinical; treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activity. Chronic adductor weakness may predispose to injuries.