Abdominal Muscles: This muscle forms the anterior and lateral abdominal wall.

It comprises the-
External Abdominal Obliques
Internal Abdominal Obliques
Rectus Abdominis
Transversus Abdominis

These four muscles form a firm wall which protects the viscera. Help to maintain the erect posture.
Contraction of these muscles helps in expiration and to increase the intra-abdominal pressure such as in
sneezing, coughing, micturating, defecating, lifting and childbirth.

The four main abdominal muscle is described is given below:

Transversus Abdominis

The transversus abdominis muscle is the deepest of the abdominal muscles, lying internally to the
internal abdominal obliques. Its main roles are to stabilize the trunk and maintain internal abdominal
pressure.

Origin

The deep surface of the lower six costal cartilages

Lumbar fascia

Anterior two-thirds of the iliac crest and

Lateral third of the inguinal ligament.

Insertion:

Xiphoid process

Linea alba and

Symphysis pubis.

Nerve supply:

Lower six thoracic nerves and

Iliohypogastric and

Ilioinguinal nerve

Action:

Contraction of this muscle has a corset-like effect, narrowing and flattening the abdomen. Stabilize the
lumbar spine and pelvis before movement of the lower and /or upper limbs.
Rectus Abdominis

The rectus abdominis is a long strap muscle that extends the entire length of the anterior abdominal
wall. When contracting rectus abdominis muscle has the characteristic bumps or bulges that are
commonly called ‘the six pack’. The main function of this muscle is to move the body between the
ribcage and the pelvis.

Origin:

The anterior aspect of the symphysis pubis and

Pubic crest

Insertion:

5th, 6th and 7th costal cartilages and

Xiphoid process

Nerve supply:

Lower six thoracic nerves

Action:

The rectus abdominis is an important postural muscle, flexion of the lumbar spine.

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External Oblique Muscles

These are on each side of the rectus abdominis. The external abdominal oblique muscle is the largest
and most superficial of the four muscles and lies on the sides and front of the abdomen.

Origin:

Lower eight ribs (5th – 12th )

Insertion:

Anterior half of the iliac crest

Xiphoid process

Linea alba
Pubic crest

Pubic tubercle

Nerve supply:

Lower six thoracic nerves and

Iliohypogastric and

Ilioinguinal nerves

Action:

Ipsilateral side flexion and

Contralateral rotation of the trunk.

Internal Oblique Muscles

The rectus abdominis and are located just inside the hipbones. They operate in the opposite way to the
external oblique muscles. For example, twisting the trunk to the left requires the left side internal
oblique and the right side external oblique to contract together.

The internal abdominal oblique muscle is also a broad thin muscular sheet. It lies deep to the external
oblique muscle.

Origin:

Thoracolumbar fascia

Anterior two-thirds of the iliac crest and

Lateral two-thirds of the inguinal ligament.

Insertion:

Inferior borders of the lower three ribs ( 10th -12th )

Costal cartilages

Xiphoid process

Linea alba and

Symphysis pubis.

Nerve supply:

Lower six thoracic nerves and

Iliohypogastric and

Ilioinguinal nerve.
Action:

Ipsilateral side flexion and rotation of the trunk.