The pectineus is the most anterior hip adductor and is uniquely flat rather than fusiform. Its dual innervation from both femoral and obturator nerves is variable. It forms the floor of the femoral triangle.
| Origin | Pectineal line of the pubis and superior pubic ramus |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Pectineal line of the femur — between the lesser trochanter and linea aspera |
| Nerve Supply | Femoral nerve (L2, L3) predominantly — dual innervation with obturator nerve possible |
| Blood Supply | Medial circumflex femoral artery |
| Actions | Adducts and flexes the hip; Assists medial rotation of the hip |
|---|
Pectineus forms the medial floor of the femoral triangle (bounded by the inguinal ligament, sartorius, and adductor longus). The femoral vessels and nerve pass in the triangle over the pectineus. Pectineus fibrosis contributes to hip adduction contracture in cerebral palsy. Iliopsoas bursitis can extend over the pectineus surface.
Palpated in the upper medial groin, lateral to the adductor longus, during resisted hip adduction and flexion.
Pectineus muscle strain in the anteromedial groin producing hip flexion and adduction pain, distinguished from adductor longus strain by the more superior and lateral location of tenderness.
