Obturator membrane

The obturator membrane (Membrana obturatoria) is an irregular and thin fibrous sheet that closes incompletely the obturator foramen, on the borders of which it is attached. Its cranial border contributes nonetheless to delimitate with the pubic bone a more or less broad path, called the obturator canal (Canalis obturatorius) and through which passes the obturator nerve, the obturator artery and the obturator vein.

The obturator membrane separates the internal obturator muscle, that covers its endopelvic surface, of the external obturator muscle, that is exopelvic. It is usually less distinct in animals than in Men. The disposition of the obturator muscles does not allow to recognise it in Bulls , small Ruminants and Pigs.