Medial Thigh Muscles

Question 1

Medial thigh muscles

Answer 1

Obturator externus
Pectineus
Gracilis
Adductor magnus
Adductor longus

Question 2

Obturator externus

Answer 2

Originates on the obturator margin and membrane* Inserts on
the intertrochanteric fossa* (of the femur).
• It laterally rotates the thigh.

Question 3

Pectineus

Answer 3

Originates on the pectineal line* of the pubis
• Inserts on the medial proximal femur.
• It adducts and flexes the thigh.

Question 4

Gracilis

Answer 4

Originates on the pubic body and inferior ramus* Inserts on the medial proximal tibia*
• It adducts and flexes the thigh, and, because it crosses the knee joint, flexes the lower leg.

Question 5

Adductor magnus

Answer 5

Originates on the ischiopubic ramus and ischial tuberosity*
• Adductor magnus has two insertions with different actions:
The “adductor” portion of the muscle inserts on the adductor tubercle* (of the femur) and adducts and flexes the thigh.
The “hamstrings” portion of the muscle inserts on the lateral lip of the linea aspera* (of the femur) and adducts, extends,
and laterally rotates the thigh. Adductor brevis Originates on the pubic body and inferior ramus* Inserts on the proximal
medial lip of the linea aspera*
• It adducts and flexes the thigh.

Question 6

Adductor longus

Answer 6

Originates on the pubic body* Inserts on the linea aspera* inferior to adductor brevis
• It adducts and flexes the thigh.

Question 7

Which muscles of the medial compartment laterally rotate the thigh?

Answer 7

Two muscles of the medial compartment laterally rotate the thigh: obturator externus and the hamstrings portion of
adductor magnus; this is because of their lateral insertion points on the lateral posterior femur.

Question 8

2 unique muscles of the medial thigh

Answer 8

Gracilis, due to its insertion on the tibia, is the only muscle in the medial compartment to act on the lower leg. The
hamstrings portion of adductor magnus, because of its posterior attachment sites, extends the thigh