obturatoria

Obturatoria is a term of Latin origin used in anatomy to denote relations to the obturator, a structure and region in the pelvis. In medical usage it appears in compound names such as foramina obturatoria (obturator foramina), membrana obturatoria (obturator membrane), musculi obturatores (obturator muscles), and nervi obturatores (obturator nerves).

Anatomically, the obturator region centers on the obturator foramen, a large opening in the hip bone formed by parts of the pubis and ischium. The foramen is mostly closed by the obturator membrane, leaving a small canal called the obturator canal for the passage of vessels and nerves. The structures associated with the obturator include the obturator nerve, artery, and vein, which travel through or near this region to supply the medial thigh and adjacent structures.

The two principal obturator muscles are the obturator internus and the obturator externus. The obturator internus originates along the inner surface of the obturator membrane and inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur, functioning as a lateral rotator of the hip. The obturator externus arises from the outer surface of the obturator membrane and inserts into the femur, also contributing to lateral rotation and stabilization of the hip joint.

Clinically, obturator-related structures can be involved in conditions such as obturator hernia, where abdominal or pelvic contents protrude through the obturator canal, presenting with medial thigh pain and sometimes referred pain along the obturator nerve distribution. Obturator nerve entrapment or injury can cause sensory disturbances or weakness in the medial thigh.

See also: foramen obturatorium, membrana obturatoria, nervus obturatorius, musculi obturatores.