Pectineus (Full)

musculus pectineus

The pectineus is the most superior adductor, lying in the floor of the femoral triangle and forming the medial wall of the femoral triangle alongside the adductor longus. Its dual innervation by both the femoral (primary) and obturator (occasional) nerves makes it the bridge between the adductor and anterior compartments. The pectineus is stretched in the figure-4 position and is a common site of adductor-related groin pain in athletes.

Nerve: Femoral nerve (L2, L3) — and occasionally the… Blood Supply: Medial circumflex femoral artery Region: Thigh

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Pectineal line of the superior pubic ramus (between the inguinal ligament and the pubic tubercle)
Insertion	Pectineal line of the femur — between the lesser trochanter and the linea aspera
Nerve Supply	Femoral nerve (L2, L3) — and occasionally the obturator nerve (dual innervation in 30%)
Blood Supply	Medial circumflex femoral artery

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Hip adduction; Hip flexion; Hip internal rotation (minor)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Pectineus muscle tears produce anteromedial groin pain reproduced by resisted hip adduction with the hip flexed. Ultrasound or MRI confirms the muscle injury. Its proximity to the femoral triangle makes pectineus injuries challenging to differentiate from hip flexor and adductor longus pathology without imaging.

Palpation

The pectineus is palpable in the femoral triangle medial to the femoral pulse and lateral to the adductor longus, becoming firm during resisted hip adduction with the hip flexed.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pectineus Strain

Groin muscle injury from hip adduction overload producing anteromedial groin pain managed with progressive loading rehabilitation.