Adductor Brevis - Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve supply | Action

The adductor brevis is a muscle in the thigh situated immediately deep to the pectineus and adductor longus. It belongs to the adductor muscle group. The main function of the adductor brevis is to pull the thigh medially.
Origin: anterior surface of the inferior ramus and ...
Insertion: the lesser trochanter and linea aspera

Adductor brevis is a flat, triangular muscle that is found in the inner thigh. This muscle runs from the pubis to the medial aspect of the femur. Together with adductor longus, adductor magnus, gracilis and pectineus muscles, it comprises a group of muscles known as the adductors of the thigh.

These inner thigh muscles produce movements of the hip joint; primarily thigh adduction, but they also participate in flexion, internal and external rotation and stabilization of the pelvis while standing or walking. Adductor brevis, being one of the shortest muscles from this group, is a weak adductor of the thigh.

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of adductor brevis muscle.

Origin Anterior body of pubis, inferior pubic ramus
Insertion Linea aspera of femur (medial lip)
Action Hip joint: thigh flexion, thigh adduction, thigh external rotation; pelvis stabilization
Innervation Obturator nerve (L2-L4)
Blood supply Arteria profunda femoris

Function
As its name suggests, the main function of the adductor brevis muscle is adduction of the thigh. This action is particularly active when the thigh is in a flexed position and during the gait cycle. Adductor brevis also has a role in external rotation and flexion of the hip.

All adductors of the thigh pull the leg medially when walking. This way, they help to maintain balance and shift the center of gravity onto the supporting foot, while standing and walking. This same group of muscles is also used when crossing our legs.