Pectineus
Thigh · Lower Limb
Located in the Thigh of the Lower Limb, the Pectineus is a key muscle for anatomy study. It arises from Pectineal line (pecten pubis) of superior pubic ramus and attaches to Pectineal line of femur (inferior to lesser trochanter). Functionally, it adduction and flexion of hip. Innervation is provided by the Femoral nerve (L2, L3); occasionally obturator nerve.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Pectineal line (pecten pubis) of superior pubic ramus
Insertion
Pectineal line of femur (inferior to lesser trochanter)
Action
Adduction and flexion of hip
Nerve
Femoral nerve (L2, L3); occasionally obturator nerve
Attachments explained
The Pectineus is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Pectineal line (pecten pubis) of superior pubic ramus
Insertion
Pectineal line of femur (inferior to lesser trochanter)
Action & function
When the Pectineus contracts, it produces the following movement: Adduction and flexion of hip.
As part of the Thigh group of the Lower Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Pectineus receives its nerve supply from the Femoral nerve (L2, L3); occasionally obturator nerve. This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) L2, L3.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Femoral nerve or to its spinal roots (L2, L3) can weaken or paralyse the Pectineus, impairing the movements it normally produces (adduction and flexion of hip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Pectineus (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Pectineus, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Pectineus fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Pectineus quick facts
- Region
- Lower Limb
- Group
- Thigh
- Origin
- Pectineal line (pecten pubis) of superior pubic ramus
- Insertion
- Pectineal line of femur (inferior to lesser trochanter)
- Action
- Adduction and flexion of hip
- Nerve
- Femoral nerve (L2, L3); occasionally obturator nerve
- Spinal roots
- L2, L3
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Pectineus located?
The Pectineus is a muscle of the Thigh group, located in the Lower Limb.
What is the origin of the Pectineus?
Pectineal line (pecten pubis) of superior pubic ramus
What is the insertion of the Pectineus?
Pectineal line of femur (inferior to lesser trochanter)
What movements does the Pectineus produce?
Adduction and flexion of hip
What nerve supplies the Pectineus?
Femoral nerve (L2, L3); occasionally obturator nerve
Is the Pectineus free to study in OIANS?
The Pectineus is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Lower Limb is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Pectineus
Test yourself on Lower Limb muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.