Pronunciation: [ɒbt͡ʃəɹˈe͡ɪtə] (IPA) 
Obturator is spelled /ɒb.tjʊˈreɪ.tər/ in British English and /ɑb.tʊrˈeɪ.tər/ in American English. The word refers to a device or structure that blocks an opening such as a gap, hole or cavity. The spelling of "obturator" can be challenging as the "b" and "t" sounds can be easily confused with the "p" and "d" sounds respectively. The word is derived from the Latin word "obturare" meaning "to stop up".
The term "obturator" refers to a device, structure, or prosthesis used to close or block an opening or cavity in the body. In anatomy, it specifically refers to the obturator muscle and the obturator foramen.
The obturator muscle is a muscle in the hip region that originates from the pelvis and spans towards the upper thigh. It consists of two parts, the obturator externus and the obturator internus. These muscles function to rotate the thigh externally and adduct it, helping to move the leg away from the midline of the body.
On the other hand, the obturator foramen is a large oval-shaped opening in the hip bone, located between the pubis and ischium bones. It is covered by the obturator membrane, a fibrous structure that stretches across the foramen. The obturator foramen serves as a passage for blood vessels, nerves, and the obturator muscles.
In medical and dental fields, an obturator is a device or prosthesis used to close a defect or gap. For example, an obturator may be used to close a surgically created opening in the palate for individuals with cleft palate or to cover a surgical site after the removal of a maxillary or mandibular tumor. These obturators are custom-made to fit the patient's specific anatomy and may include artificial teeth to restore oral function and appearance.
Overall, the term "obturator" encompasses structures, muscles, and devices that serve to close or block an opening or cavity within the body or assist in movement and function.
1. Any structure that occludes an opening. 2. Noting a large opening in the lower part of the os innominatum, the obturator foramen, the occluding membrane of the same, or any of several parts in relation to this foramen. 3. A plate closing a defect or cleft in the hard palate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "obturator" originates from the Latin term "obturator", which comes from the verb "obturare" meaning "to stop up" or "to close off". This Latin verb is derived from the combination of the prefix "ob-" (meaning "against" or "in front of") and the verb "tūrus" (meaning "to cover" or "to block"). In anatomy, the term "obturator" is used to refer to various structures that act as barriers or blockers, such as the obturator muscle and the obturator foramen.
