pubofemorale

Pubofemoralis is an anatomical term used to describe a muscle of the pelvic limb in some vertebrates. In many reptile and avian anatomical texts, pubofemoralis denotes a ventral thigh muscle that originates from the pubic region and inserts on the proximal femur.

It participates in adduction of the thigh and can aid medial rotation; its exact action depends on the arrangement of surrounding muscles and the joint configuration of the species.

Variation: In mammals, pubofemoralis is not commonly recognized as a separate muscle, with fibers typically described as part of the adductor group or incorporated into other muscles. In birds and reptiles, pubofemoralis is often treated as a distinct muscle or as part of a puboischiofemoralis complex; terminology and attachments vary among taxa.

Origin and insertion: The muscle typically originates from the pubis and inserts on the proximal femur, usually on its medial aspect, but exact points differ by species.

Innervation: When described, the muscle is usually innervated by nerves serving the medial thigh, commonly the obturator nerve, though innervation can vary.

See also: Puboischiofemoralis; adductor muscles of the thigh.