Obturator internus nerve

Obturator Internus Nerve

The Obturator Internus Nerve is a branch of the sacral plexus, a nerve plexus that provides motor and sensory nerves for the posterior thigh, most of the lower leg and foot, and part of the pelvis. It is responsible for the innervation of the obturator internus muscle and the superior gemellus muscle, both of which are muscles of the hip.

Etymology

The term "obturator" comes from the Latin "obturare", which means to stop up or close up. This is in reference to the obturator foramen, a large opening in the hip bone that is largely closed off by a membrane. The term "internus" is Latin for "internal", referring to the muscle's position deep within the body.

Anatomy

The obturator internus nerve originates from the ventral rami of the second, third, and fourth sacral nerves (S2, S3, S4). It leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle, and gives off branches to the obturator internus muscle and the superior gemellus muscle.

Function

The obturator internus nerve provides motor innervation to the obturator internus muscle and the superior gemellus muscle. These muscles are part of the lateral rotator group of the hip muscles, and they function to laterally rotate the thigh at the hip joint.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the obturator internus nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the obturator internus and superior gemellus muscles. This can lead to difficulty in lateral rotation of the thigh and instability of the hip joint.

See Also

• Sacral plexus
• Obturator internus muscle
• Superior gemellus muscle

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