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The Obturator Internus 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 internus attaches from the internal surface of the obturator foramen of the pelvic bone to the greater trochanter of the femur.
ACTIONS:
- Laterally rotates the thigh at the hip joint.
- Horizontally abducts the thigh at the hip joint.
- Contralaterally rotates the pelvis at the hip joint.
NOTE: The distal tendon of the obturator internus passes around the pelvic bone in such a way that it has a 90 degree change in its fiber direction (line of pull).