The Adductor Canal - Podcast Version TeachMeAnatomy 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The adductor canal (Hunter’s canal, subsartorial canal) is a narrow conical tunnel located in the thigh. It is approximately 15cm long, extending from the apex of the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus of the adductor magnus. The canal serves as a passageway from structures moving between the anterior thigh and posterior leg. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the adductor canal – its borders, contents and clinical relevance. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Borders The adductor canal is bordered by muscular structures: Anteromedial – Sartorius. Lateral – Vastus medialis. Posterior – Adductor longus and adductor magnus. The adductor canal runs from the apex of the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus – a gap between the adductor and hamstring attachments of the adductor magnus muscle. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Cross-section of the thigh, showing the borders of the adductor canal. Note: the adductor magnus is not visible in this illustration. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection of the adductor canal, with the roof (sartorius) cut away to reveal the femoral artery and vein. The canal ends at the adductor hiatus, a gap in the adductor magnus muscle. Prosection of the adductor canal, with the roof (sartorius) cut away to reveal the femoral artery and vein. The canal ends at the adductor hiatus, a gap in the adductor magnus muscle. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Contents The adductor canal serves as a passageway for structures moving between the anterior thigh and posterior leg. It transmits the femoral artery, femoral vein (posterior to the artery), nerve to the vastus medialis and the saphenous nerve – the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve. As the femoral artery and vein exit the canal, they are called the popliteal artery and vein respectively. Clinical Relevance Adductor Canal Block In the adductor canal block, local anaesthetic is administered in the adductor canal to block the saphenous nerve in isolation, or together with the nerve to the vastus medialis. The block can be used to provide sensory anaesthesia for procedures involving the distal thigh and femur, knee and lower leg on the medial side. The sartorius and femoral artery are used as anatomical landmarks to locate the saphenous nerve. Clinical Relevance Adductor Canal Compression Syndrome Adductor canal compression syndrome describes entrapment of the neurovascular bundle within the adductor canal. A rare condition, it is usually caused by hypertrophy of adjacent muscles such as vastus medialis. It is most common in young males, who may present with claudication symptoms due to femoral artery occlusion (more common) or neurological symptoms due to entrapment of the saphenous nerve. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz The Adductor Canal Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is the adductor canal? The adductor canal, also known as Hunter’s canal, is a narrow conical tunnel in the thigh that measures approximately 15cm in length. It extends from the apex of the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus of the adductor magnus, serving as a conduit for structures moving between the anterior thigh and posterior leg. What are the borders of the adductor canal? The adductor canal is bordered by specific muscles: the sartorius muscle anteromedially, the vastus medialis muscle laterally, and the adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles posteriorly. These muscular boundaries define the canal's structure and function. What structures pass through the adductor canal? The adductor canal transmits several important structures, including the femoral artery, femoral vein, the nerve to the vastus medialis, and the saphenous nerve, which is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve. Upon exiting the canal, the femoral artery and vein are referred to as the popliteal artery and vein, respectively. What is an adductor canal block? An adductor canal block involves the injection of local anaesthetic into the adductor canal to selectively block the saphenous nerve or the nerve to the vastus medialis. This technique is used to provide sensory anaesthesia for procedures involving the medial side of the distal thigh, knee, and lower leg. What is adductor canal compression syndrome? Adductor canal compression syndrome is a rare condition characterised by the entrapment of the neurovascular bundle within the adductor canal, often due to hypertrophy of adjacent muscles like the vastus medialis. It commonly affects young males and may lead to claudication symptoms from femoral artery occlusion or neurological symptoms from saphenous nerve entrapment. Rate This Article