Obturator muscle

Obturator Muscle

The Obturator Muscle, as illustrated in Gray's Anatomy.

The Obturator Muscle is a muscle in the human body that is part of the medial compartment of thigh. It is divided into two parts, the Obturator externus and the Obturator internus, both of which play a crucial role in the movement and stability of the hip joint.

Structure

The Obturator Muscle is located in the pelvic region of the body. It is a flat, triangular muscle, which is smaller than other muscles in the same region. The muscle originates from the obturator membrane, the obturator foramen, and the surrounding bones.

Obturator Externus

The Obturator Externus is a thin, fan-shaped muscle that covers the outer surface of the anterior part of the obturator membrane. It also extends to the surrounding bone. It functions to rotate the femur laterally and to pull it into the hip socket.

Obturator Internus

The Obturator Internus is a larger, more powerful muscle that covers the inner surface of the posterior part of the obturator membrane. It also extends to the surrounding bone. It functions to rotate the femur laterally and to pull it into the hip socket.

Function

The primary function of the Obturator Muscle is to assist in the lateral rotation of the hip joint. It also helps to stabilize the joint and to adduct the thigh.

Clinical significance

Damage or injury to the Obturator Muscle can result in a condition known as Obturator nerve entrapment, which can cause pain and loss of mobility in the hip and thigh.

See also

• Muscles of the hip
• Muscles of the lower limb
• Obturator nerve