Location and Formation
The hiatus is located in the lower medial part of the thigh, at the border with the popliteal fossa. Superficially in this area, the semitendinosus (m. semitendinosus) and semimembranosus (m. semimembranosus) muscles run.
The structure is formed in the distal part of the adductor magnus muscle (m. adductor magnus). The tendon of this muscle attaches along the entire length of the medial linea aspera and arches over the medial epicondyle to the adductor tubercle (tuberculum adductorium). Between the muscle fibers or between the tendon and the femur, a tendinous arch is formed, which serves as the inferior opening of the adductor canal.
Topography and connection with the adductor canal
The adductor hiatus is an integral part of the adductor canal (canalis adductorius, Hunter's canal), acting as its distal outlet. The canal itself is bounded by the following structures:
- Lateral wall — vastus medialis muscle (m. vastus medialis).
- Medial and posterior walls — adductor longus and adductor magnus muscles (m. adductor longus et m. adductor magnus).
- Roof — sartorius muscle (m. sartorius).
Proximally, the canal communicates with the space of the femoral triangle (trigonum femorale), and distally — via the hiatus adductorius — it opens into the popliteal fossa.
What passes through the adductor hiatus?
The femoral vessels pass through the hiatus adductorius as they leave the adductor canal and head toward the popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea).
- Femoral artery (a. femoralis) — upon passing through the hiatus, it changes its name and continues as the popliteal artery (a. poplitea). At the exit from the canal, the artery lies deeper and more medially, closer to the bone. Located directly within the hiatus adductorius, the femoral artery is one of the elements of the collateral network of the knee joint region.
- Femoral vein (v. femoralis) — upon exiting the canal into the popliteal fossa, it is located more superficially and laterally relative to the artery.
Important: The saphenous nerve (n. saphenus) and descending genicular vessels (a. et v. descendens genus) do not pass through this hiatus. They leave the canal through a separate anterior opening in the septum intermusculare vastoadductoria, entering the subcutaneous tissue beneath the sartorius muscle.
Clinical significance
The adductor hiatus is a natural distal communication between the adductor canal and the popliteal fossa. The adductor canal also communicates proximally with the space of the femoral triangle.
Class and exam questions
Is the adductor hiatus part of Hunter's canal?
Yes, the hiatus adductorius is the inferior (outlet) opening of the adductor (Hunter's) canal, through which it communicates with the popliteal fossa.
Does the saphenous nerve (n. saphenus) pass through the hiatus adductorius?
No. The saphenous nerve exits the adductor canal through the anterior opening in the septum intermusculare vastoadductoria along with the descending genicular vessels.
How does the name of the artery change after passing through this hiatus?
The femoral artery (a. femoralis), after passing through the adductor hiatus, continues into the popliteal fossa as the popliteal artery (a. poplitea).
What else to study on this topic
- Adductor canal (canalis adductorius)
- Adductor magnus muscle (m. adductor magnus)
- Popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea)
- Femoral artery (a. femoralis)
Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Adductor hiatus" and 1,363 other pages of the subject
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 295 video lessons by subject
Other topics in the "Anatomical Structures" section
Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.