Obturator veins

Obturator veins are a pair of veins that accompany the obturator artery in the pelvis. They are responsible for draining blood from the pelvic muscles and bones. The term "obturator" is derived from the Latin word "obturare," which means "to stop up" or "to close."

Anatomy

The obturator veins originate from the venous plexus on the sides of the pelvic cavity. They run along the obturator canal, a narrow passage in the lower part of the pelvis, and drain into the internal iliac vein. The obturator veins are accompanied by the obturator artery and obturator nerve, forming the obturator bundle.

Function

The primary function of the obturator veins is to drain deoxygenated blood from the pelvic muscles and bones. They also play a role in the venous return from the lower extremities.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the obturator veins can become varicose, leading to obturator vein varicosities. This condition is often associated with pelvic congestion syndrome, a chronic medical condition in women caused by varicose veins in the lower abdomen. The condition can cause chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), and lower back pain.

See also

• Obturator artery
• Obturator nerve
• Pelvic congestion syndrome
• Varicose veins

References

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