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.

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.

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.

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.

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.