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The Obturator Externus is a member of the Deep Lateral Rotator Group (also known as the Deep 6), composed of the following six muscles (from superior to inferior):
- Piriformis
- Superior gemellus
- Obturator internus
- Inferior gemellus
- Obturator externus
- Quadratus femoris
ATTACHMENTS:
- The obturator externus attaches from the external the pelvic bone to the greater trochanter of the femur.
- The distal attachment is actually onto the trochanteric fossa of the femur.
ACTIONS:
- Laterally rotates the thigh at the hip joint.
- Horizontally abducts the thigh at the hip joint.
- Adducts the thigh at the hip joint.
- Contralaterally rotates the pelvis at the hip joint.
NOTE: The obturator externus lies deeper than the other five members of the deep lateral rotator group.
