GENERAL INFORMATION
The adductor brevis is a muscle located in the medial compartment of the thigh. It is part of the hip adductor muscle group and plays a role in hip adduction. It also brings the leg closer to the midline of the body. The adductor brevis assists in stabilising the hip joint as well as contributes to movements involving the inner thigh.
ORIGIN
The adductor brevis muscle originates from the inferior pubic ramus, which is the lower part of the pubic bone.
INSERTION POINT
The adductor brevis muscle inserts onto the pectineal line and the linea aspera of the femur. The pectineal line is a bony ridge on the superior pubic ramus, as well as the linea aspera is a ridge on the back of the femur.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The adductor brevis muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the obturator artery. It originates from the internal iliac artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The adductor brevis muscle is innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus. The obturator nerve provides motor innervation to the adductor brevis muscle, controlling its contraction. It also carries sensory information from the region.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points may develop in the adductor brevis muscle, causing localised pain and discomfort. These points can be triggered by muscle overuse, poor posture, or muscle imbalances.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The adductor brevis muscle functions concentrically to perform hip adduction. It contracts to bring the leg toward the midline of the body.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The adductor brevis muscle functions eccentrically to control hip abduction, where the leg moves away from the midline. It assists in maintaining the leg’s movement during activities such as walking or running.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The adductor brevis muscle can contract isometrically to provide stability and support during static positions or when the hip joint needs to resist forces acting on it.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Adductor longus (Musculus adductor longus): Works synergistically with the adductor brevis for hip adduction.
- Adductor Magnus (Musculus adductor magnus): The largest adductor muscle, aiding in hip adduction and extension.
- Gracilis (Musculus gracilis): Assists in hip adduction and knee flexion.
- Obturator externus (Musculus obturator externus): Aids in lateral rotation and adduction of the hip.
ANTAGONIST
The primary antagonist of the adductor brevis muscle is the gluteus maximus muscle. The coordinated action of the adductor brevis muscle and the gluteus maximus allows for balanced and controlled movements of the hip joint.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or tears: Due to sudden movements, overstretching, or repetitive stress.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often caused by overuse.
- Adductor muscle injuries: These are common in athletes involved in activities that require quick changes in direction or kicking motions.
EXERCISES
- Standing adduction exercises: Stand with your legs slightly apart and use a resistance band or cable machine to perform hip adduction exercises. It brings your legs toward the midline against resistance.
- Side-lying leg lifts with adduction: Lie on your side and lift the top leg while consciously squeezing the legs together during the movement to engage the adductor brevis muscle.
- Inner thigh machine exercises: At the gym, use an inner thigh machine to perform adduction exercises that specifically target the adductor muscles.
STRETCHES
- Adductor stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs spread apart in a straddle position, lean forward, and reach toward one foot while keeping the other leg extended.
- Seated butterfly stretch: Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and gently press your knees downward to stretch the inner thighs.
- Standing adductor stretch: Stand with legs wide apart and lean towards one side, keeping the opposite leg straight to stretch the adductor muscles.