How to Identify the Obturator Internus
The obturator internus is a deep muscle of the pelvic region. It lies partly in the lesser pelvis and exits through the lesser sciatic foramen where it lies partly in the back of the hip. The obturator internus is important in walking but is not specifically targeted in bodybuilding. The following steps will help you identify the obturator internus muscle.
Instructions
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Read up on Latin roots to know that "obturator" means "one that covers" and "internus" means "opening." This muscle covers the obturator foramen (opening) in the pelvis.
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2
Examine the obturator internus to see that it laterally rotates the femur and abducts the thigh when flexed. It also stabilizes the hip while walking.
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3
Observe how the obturator internus originates from the internal aspect margins of the obturator foramen, the medial surface of the obturator membrane and inferior rami of the ischium and the rim of the pubis.
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4
Look at how the bands of the obturator internus unite to form a single tendon that receives the tendons of the gemellus muscles. The tendon then inserts into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter above the trochanteric fossa through the lesser sciatic foramen. A bursa normally is between this tendon and the capsule of the hip joint.
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Research the nervous system to know that the nerve for the obturator internus is the fifth lumbar and first two sacral nerves. Study the circulatory system to know that the blood supply for the obturator internus is the inferior gluteal artery.
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