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# Adductor minimus

The adductor minimus is the top, almost horizontal part of the adductor magnus in the inner thigh; it pulls the leg inward.

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## What it is

The uppermost part of the adductor magnus, sometimes described as a separate muscle. It runs from the pubic bone to the upper back of the [femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/).

## What it does

Pulls the leg inward and steadies the hip.

## Key points

- The uppermost, almost horizontal part of the adductor magnus; texts differ on whether to count it as a separate muscle
- Lies just below the quadratus femoris, and the two are easily confused in posterior dissections
- The cruciate anastomosis (inferior gluteal, medial and lateral circumflex femoral and first [perforating arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/perforating-femoral-arteries/)) lies at its junction with the quadratus femoris

## Key facts

**Origin**
Inferior pubic ramus (upper fibres of adductor magnus, often described with it)

**Insertion**
Upper linea aspera and gluteal tuberosity, below quadratus femoris

**Action**
Adducts and laterally rotates hip

**Nerve**
[Obturator nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/obturator-nerve/), posterior branch (L2–L4)

**Blood supply**
[Medial circumflex femoral artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-circumflex-femoral-artery/); first perforating artery

## Relations

**Above**
[Quadratus femoris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/quadratus-femoris-muscle/)

**Below**
The rest of the [adductor magnus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/adductor-magnus/)

**In front**
[Adductor brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/adductor-brevis/)

**Behind**
[Sciatic nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sciatic-nerve/), then the [gluteus maximus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/gluteus-maximus-muscle/)

## How to find it

Not palpable. In a posterior approach or dissection it is the horizontal sheet of muscle just below the quadratus femoris; on MRI it is followed from the inferior pubic ramus to the upper femur.

## On imaging

Not usually reported apart from the adductor magnus. On axial and coronal MRI it is the uppermost, nearly horizontal part of the magnus, just below the quadratus femoris, easy to confuse with it. Oedema in this area after a hamstring or groin injury is traced to the right muscle by following the fibres to their attachments. Radiographs and ultrasound do not separate it.

## Clinical notes

- The cruciate anastomosis around it can carry blood to the thigh when the [femoral artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femoral-artery/) is blocked above the origin of the [deep femoral artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-femoral-artery/)
- In posterior exposures of the upper femur, the first perforating artery and branches of the cruciate anastomosis at its upper border can bleed briskly and need control

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What is the adductor minimus?

The uppermost, almost horizontal part of the adductor magnus; texts differ on whether to count it as a separate muscle.

## Which arteries form the cruciate anastomosis near the adductor minimus?

The inferior gluteal, medial and lateral circumflex femoral and first perforating arteries, at its junction with the quadratus femoris.

## What is the clinical value of the cruciate anastomosis at the adductor minimus?

It can carry blood to the thigh when the femoral artery is blocked above the origin of the deep femoral artery.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
adductor minimus TA2 2632

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Músculo aductor mínimo

**English (TA2)**
Adductor minimus

**Also called**
adductor minimus muscle

## Related

- [Adductor magnus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/adductor-magnus/)
- [Obturator nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/obturator-nerve/)
- [Femur](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/femur/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Medial Thigh Muscles](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534775/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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