Obturator Externus
Musculus obturatorius externus
Though classified within the medial (adductor) compartment by its obturator-nerve supply, the obturator externus acts mainly as a deep lateral rotator and stabilizer of the hip joint, reinforcing the posterior capsule. It contributes to controlling rotation and centering the femoral head during squats, lunges, and rotational athletic movements. Its postural stabilizing role makes it relevant to hip health and injury prevention rather than to gross adduction force.
- Actions
- Hip external (lateral) rotation, Hip stabilization, Hip abduction (when flexed)
- Origin
- External surface of the obturator membrane and bony margins of the obturator foramen (inferior pubic ramus and ischial ramus)
- Insertion
- Trochanteric fossa of the femur
- Innervation
- Posterior branch of the obturator nerve (L3-L4)
- Blood supply
- Obturator artery and medial circumflex femoral artery
Antagonists Gluteus MinimusTensor Fasciae LataePectineus