Adductor magnus muscle

About the adductor magnus muscle of the dog

Adductor magnus muscle is a muscle of the back leg (pelvic limb), on the left side. Its name in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria is Musculus adductor magnus. Deep to gracilis, between pectineus and semimembranosus. You can turn it above, see it in place in the back leg of the dog, and open it inside the whole animal in Vetomica.

Where it runs from and to

A muscle is told apart from its neighbours by what it takes hold of at each end, which is also what decides what it does when it shortens.

Origin

Ventral pelvic symphysis and the ischium, extending back to the ischiatic arch.

Insertion

Lateral lip of the caudal (rough) surface of the femur along most of the shaft.

Action

Adducts the hindlimb and helps extend the hip.

Nerve

Obturator nerve.

Written for Vetomica in its own words from the standard reference anatomy of the dog; the books it was checked against are listed below.

What it works on

Deep to gracilis, between pectineus and semimembranosus.

Bones it takes hold of

• Pubis
• Ischium
• Femur

Muscles and ligaments it works with

• Gracilis
• Pectineus
• Semimembranosus
• Quadrate muscle of the thigh
• Obturatorius externus
• Vastus medialis
• Adductor longus
• Symphyseal tendon

Terminology

English

Adductor magnus muscle

Latin (NAV)

Musculus adductor magnus

Status

A valid term in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria

References

Where to read this structure in full, and where the named parts above were read.

• NAV 2017Myologia: musculi membri pelvini
• Miller's Anatomy of the Dog, 5th ed.The Muscular System: muscles of the pelvic limb
• König & LiebichMuscles of the pelvic limb
• Dyce, Sack & WensingThe hindlimb of the carnivores

Questions about the adductor magnus muscle

What is the Latin name of the adductor magnus muscle?

In the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, the adductor magnus muscle is called Musculus adductor magnus.

Where is the adductor magnus muscle of the dog?

Adductor magnus muscle is a muscle of the back leg (pelvic limb), on the left side.

Which bones does the adductor magnus muscle attach to?

Adductor magnus muscle takes hold of Pubis, Ischium and Femur.

Where does the adductor magnus muscle originate and insert?

Origin: Ventral pelvic symphysis and the ischium, extending back to the ischiatic arch. Insertion: Lateral lip of the caudal (rough) surface of the femur along most of the shaft.

What nerve supplies the adductor magnus muscle?

Obturator nerve.

What does the adductor magnus muscle do?

Adducts the hindlimb and helps extend the hip.