Muscle Obturator Internus

Obturator internus muscle

The internal obturator muscle (lat. m. obturatorius internus) is a muscle located in the pelvic cavity and belongs to the muscles of the pelvic girdle.

The obturator internus muscle originates from the inner surface of the pelvic bones (pubis, ischium and ischioliac fossa). From its origin, the muscle is directed to the lesser sciatic foramen, passes through it and attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur.

The function of the muscle is to abduct, rotate the thigh outward and participate in its extension. The obturator internus muscle is innervated by branches of the sciatic nerve.

Blood supply is provided by the branches of the internal obturator artery.

**The obturator muscle** is one of the muscles of the pelvis and consists of two elements: the internal and external obturator muscle fiber. Accordingly, these two muscles provide locking of the penis and relaxation of its inner third in men, as well as the vagina in women. Also, this type of muscle performs an important function in holding the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, ureter) during labor and frequent bowel movements.

The location of the obturator muscle is deep, located inside the pelvic cavity just above the rectum and surrounds the entrance to the lower end of the anus or rectum, giving its name to its apex. This muscle is the largest muscle covering the opening of the rectal canal. Its function in holding the entrance to the rectum is extremely important, and its damage can lead to intestinal obstruction and narrowing of the anus.

The obturator externus muscle fiber is capable of contracting independently under the influence of impulses from afferent nerve fibers, while the obturator internus muscle fiber is capable of voluntary contraction with moderate force and is not innervated independently. However, it is closely connected by nerve fibers to the internal sphincter of the bladder. Inferior external obturator - attached to the pubis