Pronunciation: [pˈɛkta͡ɪnɪəs] (IPA) 
The word "pectineus" (pɛkˈtɪniəs) is commonly misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. It is spelled with a "c" rather than a "k" even though it has a hard "k" sound. This is because the word is derived from the Latin word "pecten," meaning comb, which was likely the inspiration for the spelling with a "c". The "eu" in the middle is pronounced like the "u" in "put", and the stress is on the second syllable.
The pectineus is a muscle located in the hip region of the human body. It is classified as one of the muscles of the inner thigh, specifically the anterior compartment. The term "pectineus" is derived from the Latin word "pecten," which means comb-like, owing to the shape of the muscle.
Anatomically, the pectineus muscle arises from the pectineal line of the pubic bone, near the groin area. It then extends downwards towards the femur, commonly known as the thigh bone. The pectineus muscle is relatively short in length, attaching to the lesser trochanter of the femur.
Functionally, the pectineus muscle aids in the flexion and adduction of the hip joint. It works in conjunction with other muscles of the inner thigh and plays a role in walking, running, and other lower body movements. The pectineus also assists in stabilizing the pelvis during locomotion.
In terms of common injuries, strains or overuse of the pectineus can occur, often resulting from sudden movements or repetitive stress. Symptoms of pectineus muscle strain may include pain in the groin area, difficulty walking, and reduced range of motion in the hip joint. Proper warm-up exercises, stretching, and strengthening routines can help prevent such injuries and maintain the overall health and functionality of the pectineus muscle.
See under musculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pectineus" is derived from Latin. It comes from the Latin word "pecten", meaning "comb", which refers to its comb-like appearance. The ending "-eus" is a suffix commonly used to indicate that something belongs to or is related to a particular noun or concept. Therefore, "pectineus" can be understood as a word describing something related to or resembling a comb. In the context of anatomy, the pectineus muscle is named so due to its shape, which is reminiscent of a comb.
