Obturator Externus - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The obturator externus is a muscle of the medial compartment of the thigh. It is one of the smaller muscles of the medial thigh and it is located superiorly within the compartment. Attachments: Originates from the membrane of the obturator foramen and adjacent bone. It passes under the neck of femur and attaches onto the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter. Actions: Adduction and lateral rotation of the thigh. Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Blood Supply: Obturator artery and medial circumflex femoral artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Muscles of the medial thigh. The overlying muscles in the anterior compartment have been removed. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the obturator externus muscle? The obturator externus is a small muscle located in the medial compartment of the thigh, primarily responsible for adducting and laterally rotating the thigh. Where does the obturator externus muscle originate and insert? This muscle originates from the membrane of the obturator foramen and adjacent bone, and it inserts onto the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur. What actions are performed by the obturator externus? The primary actions of the obturator externus include adduction and lateral rotation of the thigh, contributing to lower limb movements. Which nerve innervates the obturator externus muscle? The obturator externus is innervated by the obturator nerve, which arises from spinal segments L2 to L4. What is the blood supply for the obturator externus? The blood supply for the obturator externus comes from the obturator artery and the medial circumflex femoral artery, ensuring it receives adequate oxygen and nutrients. Rate This Article