Rectus Abdominis

Musculus rectus abdominis

Core CoreAbsAnterior Chain

The rectus abdominis is the long, paired “six-pack” muscle running vertically down the front of the abdomen, crossed by tendinous intersections that give it its segmented appearance. Its primary job is flexing the trunk (curling the ribcage toward the pelvis) and resisting extension to stabilize the spine. In training it is loaded by crunches, sit-ups, hanging leg raises, and anti-extension work such as planks and ab-wheel rollouts; visible definition depends far more on low body fat than on muscle size.

Actions

Trunk flexion, Lumbar spine flexion, Lateral trunk flexion (unilateral), Posterior pelvic tilt, Forced expiration, Increases intra-abdominal pressure

Origin

Pubic crest and pubic symphysis

Insertion

Xiphoid process and costal cartilages of ribs 5-7

Innervation

Thoracoabdominal nerves (anterior rami of T7-T11) and subcostal nerve (T12)

Blood supply

Superior and inferior epigastric arteries

Wikipedia ↗

coreabsanterior-chaintrunk-flexionsix-pack