A medical observation apparatus according to the present invention includes a microscope unit, a support unit that movably supports the microscope unit and that includes a plurality of arm portions and a plurality of joint portions, each of which holds the arm portions rotatably about a predetermined axis, and a cable connected to the microscope unit and inserted through an interior of the support unit, wherein at least one of the joint portions includes a twisting joint portion that rotates a rotation-target arm portion about an axis parallel to a central axis of the rotation-target arm portion, and the twisting joint portion includes a rotational-shaft portion, a rotational portion that holds the rotation-target arm portion, fixes the cable at a position offset from the central axis of the rotational-shaft portion, and is rotatable about the central axis, and an extending portion that extends from the rotational-shaft portion and fixes the cable at a position where the central axis of the rotational-shaft portion passes through the cable.