Obturator fascia

Obturator fascia is a layer of the pelvis that covers the obturator internus muscle. It is a part of the fascia system, which is a network of connective tissues that envelop, separate, or bind together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body.

Etymology

The term "obturator" comes from the Latin word "obturare", which means to close or obstruct. This is in reference to the obturator foramen, a large opening in the hip bone that is largely closed off by the obturator membrane and muscles. The term "fascia" is derived from Latin, meaning "band". It refers to the band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.

Anatomy

The obturator fascia covers the obturator internus muscle and is continuous with the endopelvic fascia. It is attached to the margin of the obturator foramen and is stronger below, where it is connected with the fascia lata. The obturator fascia is pierced by the obturator vessels and obturator nerve.

Clinical significance

The obturator fascia is an important structure in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. It is often involved in surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy or pelvic lymph node dissection. Understanding the anatomy of the obturator fascia is crucial for surgeons to avoid complications during these procedures.

Related terms

• Fascia: A band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.
• Obturator internus muscle: A muscle within the outer surface of the pelvic bone which functions to help rotate and adduct the hip.
• Endopelvic fascia: A layer of connective tissue that lines the pelvic cavity.
• Fascia lata: The deep fascia of the thigh.
• Obturator vessels: The blood vessels that supply the adductor muscles of the thigh.
• Obturator nerve: A nerve that passes through the obturator canal to the medial aspect of the thigh.

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