The obturator nerve originates from the anterior divisions of the second, third, and fourth lumbar nerves. It passes between the psoas major muscle and the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra. It then runs in the extraperitoneal fat below and parallel with the medial border of the psoas major. It then goes below the level of the pelvic brim. In the latter part of its course, it accompanies and lies above the obturator vessels. It passes through the deficiency with the obturator vessels in the obturator membrane at the upper part of the obturator foramen. On emerging from the pelvis, it divides into an anterior and a posterior branch.

L2 through L4 anterior divisions

Medial compartment of thigh (gracilis, adductor longus,adductor brevis, anterior portion of adductor magnus)

Adduct thigh medially rotate thigh

Nervus obturatorius

Nerf obturateur