Obturator Foramen
The
obturator foramen is indicated in this diagram. The obturator foramen lies inferior to the
acetabulum of the pelvis and is an opening between the
ischium and
pubic bones. It is covered almost entirely by the
obturator membrane. A small gap is left between the superior margin of the obturator membrane and the pelvic bone above, known as the
obturator canal, which allows a few vessels and nerves to pass out from the pelvic cavity to communicate with the lower limb. There are
three structures which pass through the obturator canal:
- Obturator artery
- Obturator vein
- Obturator nerve
Learn more about the
anatomy of the pelvic bones in this tutorial
