Adductor: Magnus Muscle

As its name implies, the adductor magnus powerfully adducts the thigh, meaning it pulls the leg toward the midline of the body. This is crucial in sports like soccer (kicking across the body), swimming (flutter kick), and horseback riding (gripping the horse).

| Hip Position | Primary Action by Adductor Magnus | | :--- | :--- | | Neutral | Adduction (both portions) | | Extended (behind body) | Extension (hamstring portion) | | Flexed (knee to chest) | Adduction + slight flexion (adductor portion) | adductor magnus muscle

Because the femoral vessels pass through the adductor hiatus to become popliteal vessels, this muscle is a landmark for vascular surgeons. Enlargement of the muscle or tumors in this area can compress the artery, causing claudication (cramping) in the lower leg. As its name implies, the adductor magnus powerfully

The muscle fans out into a broad triangle, inserting along the entire length of the femur (thigh bone): Enlargement of the muscle or tumors in this

A notable feature of the adductor magnus is an opening near its distal attachment called the adductor hiatus. This hiatus allows the femoral artery and vein to pass from the anterior thigh (adductor canal) into the popliteal fossa behind the knee, where they become the popliteal vessels.

The adductor magnus is often tight in people with lower cross syndrome (anterior pelvic tilt). A modified Thomas test with hip adduction specifically stresses this muscle.