Dominic Stone
The abdominal muscles are an extensive network of muscles that cover the anterior and lateral abdominal region. They can be divided into two broad groups: the anterolateral and posterior walls. The anterolateral abdominal wall is made up of two vertical muscles and three flat muscles, while the posterior abdominal wall is composed of the lumbar vertebrae, pelvic girdle, five posterior abdominal muscles, and their associated fascia. In total, there are at least nine abdominal muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of abdominal muscle groups | 4 |
| Number of anterolateral abdominal muscles | 5 |
| Number of posterior abdominal muscles | 5 |
| Number of vertical muscles in the anterolateral abdominal wall | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
The external obliques
The abdominal muscles can be divided into four groups: the external obliques, the internal obliques, the transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis. The external obliques are the closest to the surface and extend inferiorly and medially, in the direction of sliding one’s four fingers into pants pockets. They are one of two vertical muscles in the anterolateral abdominal wall, situated near the midline of the body.
The external oblique muscles are paired, with one muscle on each side of the body. They originate from the lower eight ribs and insert into the iliac crest and the linea alba. The right external oblique muscle fibres run downwards and to the left, while the left external oblique muscle fibres run downwards and to the right. This arrangement allows for the muscles to work together to produce a twisting motion when they contract.
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The internal obliques
The abdominal muscles can be divided into four groups: the external obliques, the internal obliques, the transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis. The internal obliques are intermediate muscles that extend superiorly and medially, in the direction the thumbs usually go when the other fingers are in the pants pocket. They are perpendicular to the external obliques, which are the closest to the surface.
The abdominal wall performs several important functions, including containing and providing a scaffold for the development and functioning of abdominal viscera. It also provides a degree of physical protection for the organs.
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The transversus abdominis
The abdominal muscles as a whole can be divided broadly into two groups: the anterolateral and the posterior. The transversus abdominis is part of the anterolateral group, which is made up of two vertical muscles and three flat muscles. The two vertical muscles are located on the midline and are bisected by the linea alba. The three flat muscles are arranged from superficial to deep.
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The rectus abdominis
The abdominal muscles contribute to movements of the trunk, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The simultaneous contraction of abdominal muscles facilitates the generation of intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure, which is critical in sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and defecating.
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The pyramidalis
The abdominal muscles can be divided into two groups: the anterolateral and the posterior. The anterolateral abdominal wall is made up of two vertical muscles, bisected by the linea alba: the rectus abdominis and the pyramidalis. The pyramidalis is a small, triangular-shaped muscle that lies between the anterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle and the rectus sheath. It is part of the anterior abdominal wall.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four groups of abdominal muscles: the external obliques, the internal obliques, the transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis.
The four groups are: the external obliques, the internal obliques, the transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis.
The external obliques are the abdominal muscles closest to the surface, extending inferiorly and medially.
The internal obliques are perpendicular to the external obliques, extending superiorly and medially.
The transversus abdominis are the deepest of the three flat muscles on the anterolateral side.
