Obturator internus muscle

Obturator Internus Muscle

The Obturator Internus and nearby muscles

The Obturator Internus Muscle is a large, fan-shaped muscle, situated on the inner side of the pelvis. It is narrower in the middle than at either end, and covered by the Obturator membrane.

Structure

The muscle originates from the margin of bone around the medial side of the Obturator foramen, as well as the Obturator membrane. It exits the pelvic cavity through the lesser sciatic foramen, and inserts on the Greater trochanter of the Femur. Its function is to laterally rotate the hip.

Function

The Obturator Internus muscle, along with the Superior gemellus, Inferior gemellus, and Quadratus femoris, are often referred to as the deep hip rotators because they all share the function of laterally rotating the femur at the hip joint.

Clinical significance

Injury or strain to the Obturator Internus muscle can result in Pelvic pain and difficulty walking. It can also be a source of Sciatica-like pain.

See also

• Obturator externus muscle
• Obturator nerve
• Obturator artery
• Obturator vein

External links

• AnatomyExpert