The word "obturator muscle" is pronounced as /ɑbˈtuːreɪtər ˈmʌsl/. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription system. The initial consonant sound /ɑb/ is followed by the vowel sound /u/. The second syllable contains the consonant blend /tj/ pronounced as /ch/. The third syllable has the English long e sound /eɪ/. Lastly, the final syllable contains the consonant /r/ and the vowel sound /ʌ/. This spelling of "obturator muscle" is not easy to remember but can be helpful for medical professionals.
The obturator muscle refers to a group of muscles located deep within the pelvic region. These muscles are responsible for various movements and functions related to the hip joint. There are two primary muscles that comprise the obturator muscle group, including the obturator externus and the obturator internus.
The obturator externus muscle is a large muscle that originates from the outer surface of the obturator membrane and the surrounding bony structures of the pelvis. Its fibers then run laterally and posteriorly to attach onto the trochanteric fossa of the femur. This muscle functions to laterally rotate the femur and plays a role in stabilizing the hip joint.
The obturator internus muscle, on the other hand, arises from the inner surface of the obturator membrane and the surrounding bony structures. Its fibers pass through the lesser sciatic foramen to attach onto the greater trochanter of the femur. The main function of the obturator internus muscle is to laterally rotate and abduct the hip joint.
Overall, the obturator muscle group plays a vital role in the movements and stability of the hip joint. These muscles are important for various activities such as walking, running, and maintaining balance. Dysfunction or injury to the obturator muscles can lead to limitations in hip joint mobility, pain, and decreased overall function.
See under musculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "obturator" comes from the Latin term "obturare", which means "to close up" or "to block". The term was first used in anatomy to refer to the obturator foramen, a large hole in the pelvis through which several blood vessels and nerves pass. The obturator muscle, which lies nearby this opening, was named after it.