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rectus abdominis muscle
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Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs. An anatomical illustration of the human torso highlighting the muscles of the abdominal wall, with labeled structures including the deltoid, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, external and internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and associated connective tissues.
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rectus abdominis muscle

anatomy
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Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs.
Human muscular system Lateral view of the human muscular system.

The rectus abdominis is a paired muscle running vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the human abdomen. It extends from the pubis upward to the ribs and plays a crucial role in flexing the trunk and stabilizing the pelvis.12

The abdominal cavity is further protected and supported by three flat muscular sheets: the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis. These muscles have fibers that run in different directions—downward and forward (external oblique), upward and forward (internal oblique), and horizontally forward (transverse abdominis)—which merge in the midline to form a sheath around the rectus abdominis. This arrangement of muscles provides strength and support to the abdominal walls, aiding in functions such as protecting the viscera, assisting in breathing, and facilitating movements like bending forward and rotation of the trunk.12

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  1. abdominal muscle
  2. human muscle system - The abdomen

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