The muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh are collectively known as the hip adductors. There are five muscles in this group; gracilis, obturator externus, adductor brevis, adductor longus and adductor magnus. All the medial thigh muscles are innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus. Arterial supply is through the obturator artery. In this article, we shall examine the anatomy of the muscles of the medial thigh – their attachments, actions and clinical correlations. 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 Adductor Magnus The adductor magnus is the largest muscle in the medial compartment of the thigh. It is comprised of two parts – an adductor component and a hamstring component. Attachments Adductor – Originates from the inferior rami of the pubis and the rami of ischium, attaches to the linea aspera of the femur. Hamstring part – Originates from the ischial tuberosity, attaches to the adductor tubercle and medial supracondylar line of the femur. Actions: Adductor – Adduction and flexion of the thigh Hamstring – Adduction and extension of the thigh. Innervation: Adductor – Obturator nerve (L2-L4) Hamstring part – Tibial component of the sciatic nerve (L4-S3). By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1Muscles of the medial thigh. The overlying muscles in the anterior compartment have been removed. Pro Feature - Dissection Images Prosection of the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh. The adductor longus has been divided and reflected back to reveal the underlying structures. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve runs anterior to the adductor brevis. Prosection of the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh. The adductor longus has been divided and reflected back to reveal the underlying structures. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve runs anterior to the adductor brevis. 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 Adductor Longus The adductor longus is a large, flat muscle. It partially covers the adductor brevis and magnus. The muscle forms the medial border of the femoral triangle. Attachments: Originates from the pubis bone of the pelvis and expands into a fan shape. It has a broad distal attachment along the linea aspera of the femur. Actions: Adduction of the thigh. Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Adductor Brevis The adductor brevis is a short muscle, lying underneath the adductor longus. It separates the anterior and posterior branches of the obturator nerve and is an important anatomical landmark within the medial thigh. Attachments: Originates from the body of pubis and inferior pubic rami. Attaches to the linea aspera on the posterior surface of the femur (proximal to the adductor longus attachment). Actions: Adduction of the thigh. Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Obturator Externus The obturator externus is one of the smaller muscles of the medial thigh and it is located superiorly within the compartment. Attachments: Originates from the membrane of the obturator foramen and adjacent bone. It passes under the neck of femur and attaches onto the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter. Actions: Adduction and lateral rotation of the thigh. Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Gracilis The gracilis is the most superficial and medial of the muscles in this compartment. It crosses at both the hip and knee joints. Attachments: Originates from the inferior rami of the pubis and the body of the pubis. It descends down the medial aspect of the thigh and attaches to the medial surface of the tibial shaft. Actions: Adduction of the thigh at the hip and flexion of the leg at the knee. Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 2Gracilis muscle of the medial thigh By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 3Cross section of the inferior thigh, showing some of the medial thigh muscles. The adductor brevis and obturator externus attach superiorly in the thigh, and so are not visible in this cross-section. Clinical Relevance Injury to the Adductor Muscles Strain of the adductor muscles is the underlying cause of what is colloquially known as a ‘groin strain‘. The proximal part of the muscle is most commonly affected, tearing near their bony attachments in the pelvis. Groin injuries usually occur in sports that require explosive movements or extreme stretching. Treatment of any muscle strain should utilise the RICE protocol – rest, ice, compression and elevation. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz Muscles in the Medial Compartment of the Thigh Question 1 of 2 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/2 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Print Article Rate This Article