Pectineus · What Is It, Location, Function, and More

The pectineus muscle is located in the medial compartment of the thigh, specifically at the anterior (i.e. front) and medial (i.e. inner) part of the upper thigh. The pectineus muscle adducts the thigh, or moves the leg towards the middle of the body, in conjunction with the remaining adductor muscles. The pectineus muscle originates from the pectineal line of the pubic bone and inserts into the pectineal line of the femur, or thigh bone. It is the most anterior adductor of the hip and is innervated by the femoral nerve at the anterior surface of the muscle, and the obturator nerve at the posterior surface of the muscle. The main blood supply to the pectineus muscle consists of the medial circumflex femoral artery, alongside the femoral and obturator arteries. 

The pectineus muscle lies laterally to the psoas major muscle and the medial circumflex femoral artery and vein. The anterior surface of the pectineus muscle is covered with a deep layer of connective tissue, known as the fascia lata, which separates the muscle from the femoral artery, femoral vein and the great saphenous vein, which continue through the femoral triangle.

Many stretches that engage the adductors of the leg will also stretch the pectineus muscle, such as the lateral lunge, adductor stretch, and hurdle stretch. In a lateral lunge, an individual stands with their feet flat on the ground and hip-width apart, takes a large step to the side with their left leg, then bends the left knee, pushes their hips back, and lowers their body until the left knee is bent to a 90-degree angle. This can be repeated on the other side. 

An adductor stretch is accomplished in a seated position, by bringing the heels towards the glutes and dropping both knees out towards the side to form a diamond shape.

In a hurdle stretch, an individual sits on the floor with their back straight and one leg bent behind so that the heel is touching their buttock and the other leg is extended forward with the toes pointing upwards. The arms are then stretched out in front and are slowly arched forward until the individual can grab their toes with their hands.