Obturator externus
Musculus obturatorius externus
MuscularDeep musclesPelvisLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Flat triangular muscle covering the outer surface of the obturator membrane; its tendon winds below and behind the neck of the femur to the trochanteric fossa.
- Function
- Laterally rotates the hip and steadies the femoral head in the acetabulum.
- Size
- About 8-10 cm long.
- Clinical note
- Unlike the other short lateral rotators it is supplied by the obturator nerve; an obturator hernia can compress that nerve and cause medial thigh pain.