MuscleGluteal region — deep
Obturator internus
Latin: M. obturatorius internus
Location: Gluteal
View the obturator internus in 3DOrigin
Internal pelvic surface of the obturator membrane and surrounding bone.
Insertion
Medial surface of the greater trochanter above the trochanteric fossa.
Action
Laterally rotates the extended hip and abducts the flexed hip; part of the pelvic floor's sidewall hammock.
Nerve supply
Nerve to obturator internus (L5–S2).
Blood supply
Inferior gluteal artery.
Clinical relevance
Its tendon turns sharply around the lesser sciatic notch, flanked by the gemelli; its fascia forms the pudendal (Alcock's) canal, the target of pudendal nerve blocks.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.