Obturator canal
Canalis obturatorius
Definition
The obturator canal is a narrow passageway found along the upper margin of the obturator foramen, specifically in the area where the obturator groove is found.
The obturator groove is a small bony indentation found on the lower surface of the superior ramus of the pubis, forming part of the upper margin of the obturator foramen. While the obturator membrane is attached to the margins of the foramen, it does not extend to the region of the obturator groove. This lack of attachment creates the obturator canal, a small passage through which the obturator vessels and nerves from the pelvic region can traverse the obturator foramen and enter the medial or adductor compartment of the thigh.
Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 5: Pelvis and Perineum’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp.423.
Wobser, A.M., Adkins, Z. and Wobser, R.W. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Bones (Ilium, Ischium, and Pubis) [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519524/
