Obturator externus muscle

Obturator Externus Muscle

The Obturator Externus and nearby muscles, illustrated in Gray's Anatomy.

The Obturator Externus Muscle is a flat, triangular muscle, which covers the outer surface of the anterior wall of the pelvis. It is sometimes considered part of the medial compartment of thigh.

Origin and Insertion

The muscle originates from the margin of bone around the medial side of the obturator foramen, and from the obturator membrane. It inserts into the trochanteric fossa of the femur.

Function

The Obturator Externus functions to laterally rotate the hip joint. As a short rotator, it also helps to stabilize the hip joint.

Clinical Significance

Injury or strain to the Obturator Externus can result in hip pain and limited range of motion. It may also be involved in conditions such as hip dysplasia and hip osteoarthritis.

See Also

• Obturator Internus Muscle
• Obturator Nerve
• Hip Muscles

References

• Gray, Henry. Anatomy of the Human Body. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1918; Bartleby.com, 2000. www.bartleby.com/107/.