Adductor Brevis: Origin, Insertion, Nerve Supply, Action & MMT

The Adductor Brevis is a triangular muscle located in the medial compartment of the thigh. As its name suggests (Brevis meaning short), it is shorter than its neighbors, the Adductor Longus and Adductor Magnus. It sits deep within the groin and acts as a key anatomical landmark for the obturator nerve.

[Image of Adductor Brevis muscle anatomy]

Quick Anatomy Snapshot

Origin (Proximal)	Body and Inferior Ramus of the Pubis.
Insertion (Distal)	Pectineal line and the proximal part of the Linea Aspera (medial lip) on the posterior Femur.
Nerve Supply	Obturator Nerve (L2, L3, L4).
Blood Supply	Obturator Artery and Deep Femoral Artery (Profunda Femoris).
Primary Actions	Adduction: Pulls the thigh towards the midline. Flexion: Weakly assists in hip flexion. Rotation: Assists in external rotation (though debated, it varies with hip position).

Deep Dive: The "Sandwich" Muscle

The Adductor Brevis is anatomically significant because of its position and relationship with the Obturator Nerve.

1. The Muscle Sandwich

The Adductor Brevis lies deep to the Adductor Longus and Pectineus, but superficial to the Adductor Magnus. It is essentially sandwiched in the middle layer of the adductor group.

2. The Obturator Landmark

The Obturator Nerve splits into two divisions (Anterior and Posterior) as it exits the obturator canal. These two divisions sandwich the Adductor Brevis:
• Anterior Division: Runs in front of the Adductor Brevis.
• Posterior Division: Runs behind the Adductor Brevis.
This makes the muscle the primary landmark for identifying these nerves in dissection or surgery.

Physio Corner: Clinical Relevance

💪 Functional Fact: During gait, the adductors (including the Brevis) are active during the swing phase to help bring the leg forward (flexion) and adduct it to keep the foot placed under the body's center of gravity.

Palpation

Palpation is difficult because the Adductor Brevis lies deep to the Adductor Longus and Pectineus. To approximate its location, locate the prominent Adductor Longus tendon at the groin. The Brevis lies just lateral and deep to this structure. Tenderness here is often associated with "Groin Strain" or Osteitis Pubis.

⚠️ Clinical Pathology: Obturator Nerve Entrapment
Because the nerve divisions run directly over the muscle surfaces, hypertrophy or inflammation of the Adductor Brevis (often seen in soccer players or skaters) can entrap the nerve, causing medial thigh pain and paresthesia.

Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

It is impossible to isolate the Adductor Brevis from the Longus and Magnus during manual testing; they are tested as a group.

Testing Tip: To minimize the help of the hamstring muscles (which also adduct), ensure the knee is straight but the hip is not extended.

Step-by-Step Procedure (Oxford Scale)

Grade	Patient Action & Resistance
Grade 3, 4, 5 (Against Gravity)	Position: Side-lying on the affected side (bottom leg is the test leg). Top leg is held in abduction by the therapist. Action: Patient lifts the bottom leg up towards the top leg (Adduction). Resistance: Applied at the distal medial femur (above the knee), pushing down towards the table. Grade 3: Full range against gravity. Grade 4/5: Holds against strong resistance.
Grade 2 (Gravity Eliminated)	Position: Supine (lying on back). Leg abducted. Action: Patient slides the leg inward to the midline. Result: Full range of motion sliding on the sheet.
Grade 0, 1 (Palpation)	Action: Palpate the proximal medial thigh below the pubic bone. Cue: "Try to squeeze your legs together." Grade 1: Trace contraction felt (mostly Adductor Longus is felt). Grade 0: No activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adductor Brevis a hip flexor?

Yes, weakly. Because its origin on the pubis is anterior to the hip joint, it assists in flexing the thigh, especially from an extended position.

What is the "Rider's Strain"?

This refers to a strain of the adductor muscles (often Longus or Brevis), common in horseback riders who must constantly squeeze their thighs together (adduct) to stay in the saddle.

Which artery runs near the Adductor Brevis?

The Deep Femoral Artery (Profunda Femoris) runs in front of the Pectineus and Adductor Brevis before diving deep.

Test Your Knowledge: Adductor Brevis Quiz

1. Which nerve supplies the Adductor Brevis?

2. The Adductor Brevis is located between which two muscles?

3. What is the primary action of the Adductor Brevis?

4. Where does the Adductor Brevis originate?

5. The Anterior Division of the Obturator nerve runs ______ to the Adductor Brevis.

6. Where does the Adductor Brevis insert?

7. Which muscle lies directly superficial to the Adductor Brevis?

8. The Adductor Brevis is part of which compartment of the thigh?

9. To test the adductors against gravity (Grade 3+), the patient should be:

10. True or False: Adductor Brevis is the longest adductor muscle.

References

• Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2018). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
• Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Elsevier.
• Magee, D. J. (2014). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th ed. Elsevier.