abductor muscle

A muscle that moves a body part away from the sagittal plane/midline of the body[ZFA]. For example, the abductor muscles of the legs spread the legs away from the midline and away from one another. An abductor muscle opposes an adductor muscle[BTO].

Type Muscle
Structure parente skeletal muscle organ, vertebrate
FMA ID 74997

Sous-structures

pelvic abductor profundus Organ superficial pelvic abductor Organ superficial abductor Organ abductor profundus Organ

Questions fréquentes

What is an abductor muscle?
An abductor muscle is any muscle that moves a body part away from the sagittal plane (the midline of the body) or away from a reference axis of a limb. For example, the hip abductor muscles spread the legs outward, and the abductor muscles of the fingers spread them apart.
Where are abductor muscles located?
Abductor muscles are found throughout the body wherever a body part needs to be moved away from the midline or axis. Major groups include the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus), shoulder abductors (deltoid and supraspinatus), and intrinsic abductors of the hand and foot.
What is the function of abductor muscles?
Abductor muscles move body parts away from the midline or from a reference structure. In the limbs, this action is essential for locomotion, maintaining balance, and creating space between structures for functional tasks such as grasping, walking, and postural adjustment.
What conditions can affect abductor muscles?
Hip abductor weakness is a common cause of the Trendelenburg gait, where the pelvis drops to the unsupported side during walking. Shoulder abductor tears (rotator cuff tears) are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Nerve damage affecting abductor muscles can lead to characteristic postural abnormalities.
How are abductor muscles different from adductor muscles?
Abductor muscles move a body part away from the midline, while adductor muscles move a part toward the midline. They are antagonistic pairs, working in coordinated opposition to control the position and movement of limbs and digits with precision.

Structures associées

mucus body coating mucous body coating mucus cocoon mucous cocoon Mullerian duct ductus paramesonephricus multi cell part structure cell part cluster multicellular anatomical structure multicellular structure multilaminar epithelium laminated epithelium multi-tissue structure multi-tissue structures multi-unit eye

Avertissement médical

Ce contenu est uniquement à des fins éducatives et informatives. Il n'est pas destiné à remplacer un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement. Consultez toujours votre médecin ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question relative à un état médical. Ne négligez jamais un avis médical professionnel et ne tardez pas à le consulter en raison de quelque chose que vous avez lu sur ce site web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.