The pectineal muscle is a crucial muscle located in the inner thigh region of the human body. The spelling of this word can be quite tricky, but it's pronounced as /pɛkˈtɪniəl ˈmʌsəl/. The "pect" in pectineal comes from the Latin word "pecten," which means comb. This muscle got its name because it has a comb-like shape, and it's an essential part of the hip flexor complex responsible for flexing the hip joint. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation is essential to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals when discussing this muscle.
The pectineal muscle, also known as the pectineus, is a flat, quadrangular muscle located in the upper and inner part of the thigh. It originates from the pectineal line of the pubis, which is a ridge on the inner surface of the pubic bone, and attaches to the linea aspera, a prominent ridge on the back of the femur bone.
The pectineal muscle is part of the group of muscles known as the hip adductors, as it functions to bring the thigh towards the centerline of the body. It works in collaboration with other hip adductor muscles to perform movements such as crossing the legs, bringing the thighs together, or stabilizing the pelvis during walking or running.
This muscle is supplied by the femoral nerve, a major nerve in the leg, and receives blood supply from branches of the obturator artery. It is typically shorter and smaller compared to the other hip adductor muscles, and its location allows it to play a role in flexing the hip joint.
The pectineal muscle is important for maintaining overall lower limb function and stability. It is commonly trained and strengthened through exercises such as squats, lunges, or machine adductor exercises, which focus on working the hip adductor muscles. Developing strength and flexibility in the pectineal muscle can help improve movements involving the thigh and enhance overall lower body performance.
Musculus pectineus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pectineal" is derived from the Latin term "pecten", which means comb or comb-like structure. The pectineal muscle is named so because of its comb-shaped appearance. The Latin word "pecten" itself is derived from the verb "petere", which means to seek or comb through.