The obturator foramen is an important anatomical structure located in the pelvic bone. The spelling of this word may seem intimidating, but it follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system for English. The initial "ob" is pronounced as "ahb," followed by "too" as "tjʊ." The "r" sound in "rator" is pronounced as a tapped "ɾ." The "a" in "foramen" is pronounced as "ə," and the "e" as "ɪ." The final "en" is pronounced as "ən." Remembering this transcription can help with the pronunciation and spelling of the obturator foramen.
The obturator foramen is a key anatomical structure located in the hip region of the human body. It is formed by the convergence of several bones and serves as a passageway for important structures, most notably the obturator nerve and blood vessels.
Specifically, the obturator foramen is a large oval or triangular opening situated in the pelvis. It is bounded by the ischium and pubis bones, two of the three bones that make up the hip bone. The obturator foramen is covered by the obturator membrane, a thin sheet of connective tissue.
The primary function of the obturator foramen is to allow the passage of the obturator nerve, a major nerve that originates from the lumbar plexus and supplies the muscles of the medial thigh. In addition to the nerve, the obturator foramen also accommodates the obturator artery and obturator veins, which are crucial for the blood supply to the structures in the thigh.
The size and shape of the obturator foramen can vary among individuals, which can have implications in various medical and surgical procedures involving the hip region. An understanding of the anatomy and landmarks surrounding the obturator foramen is essential for successful surgeries, such as hip replacements and fracture repairs.
In summary, the obturator foramen is a large opening in the hip bone formed by the ischium and pubis bones. It provides a passageway for the obturator nerve and blood vessels, playing a significant role in the innervation and blood supply of the muscles and structures of the medial thigh.
Foramen obturatum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "obturator foramen" originates from Latin. The term "obturator" comes from the Latin word "obturare", meaning "to block" or "to stop up". The word "foramen" is derived from the Latin word "forare", which means "to pierce" or "to bore". Therefore, "obturator foramen" can be translated to mean "the hole that is blocked or closed up". It refers to a large opening located in the hip bone, the os coxae, which is partially covered by a thin layer of connective tissue known as the obturator membrane.