adductor canal
The adductor canal (also known as the Hunter canal or subsartorial canal) is a muscular tunnel in the thigh. It commences at the inferior end of the femoral triangle and terminates at the adductor hiatus.
Gross anatomy
Boundaries
- from apex of the femoral triangle to the adductor hiatus
- anteriorly: sartorius muscle, fascia, subsartorial plexus
- posteromedially: adductor longus (superiorly) and adductor magnus (inferiorly)
- laterally: vastus medialis muscle
Contents
- superficial femoral artery and vein
- saphenous nerve
- nerve to vastus medialis muscle
Key relationships
- femoral artery is always between the femoral vein and saphenous nerve
- femoral vein spirals from medial to the artery in the femoral triangle to posterior to the artery in the adductor canal
- femoral artery gives descending genicular artery as it leaves the adductor hiatus
History and etymology
The adductor canal was discovered by renowned Scottish surgeon John Hunter (1728-1793), as part of his pioneering work in treating popliteal aneurysms by ligating the femoral artery (standard treatment in the 18th century was amputation). His older brother was William Hunter (1718-1783), also a well-known anatomist and obstetrician .
Related pathology
Siehe auch:
