Nerve to Obturator Internus Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior divisions of the anterior rami of fifth lumbar to second sacral nerves (L5—S2).
Course: Exits the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen. Winds around the ischial spine to enter perineum via the lesser sciatic foramen and comes to lie on the medial side of obturator internus.
Branches: None.
Supply: Motor innervation to obturator internus and gemellus superior muscles.
Related parts of the anatomy
Nerve to Obturator Internus Origin
The nerve to obturator internus (and the associated superior gemellus muscle) arises from the anterior divisions of the anterior rami of fifth lumbar to second sacral nerves (Aung et al., 2001).
Nerve to Obturator Internus Course
Following its origin from the lumbosacral plexus, the nerve leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis muscle. Like the pudendal nerve, it passes around the ischial spine and through the lesser sciatic foramen to enter the perineum.
Nerve to Obturator Internus Branches
There are no named branches.
Nerve to Obturator Internus Supplied Structures
The nerve to obturator internus muscle provides motor innervation to obturator internus and superior gemellus muscles.
Nerve to Obturator Internus References
Aung, H. H., Sakamoto, H., Akita, K. and Sato, T. (2001) 'Anatomical study of the obturator internus, gemelli and quadratus femoris muscles with special reference to their innervation', Anat Rec, 263(1), pp. 41-52.
