The abdominal Muscles are located between the Ribs and the pelvis on the front of the body. The four muscle groups combine to completely cover the internal organs.The four main abdominal Muscles are: Transversus abdominus External oblique Internal oblique External oblique

Transversus abdominus - the deepest muscle layer. Its main roles are to stabilise the trunk and maintain internal abdominal pressure. Rectus abdominus - slung between the Ribs and the pubic Bone at the front of the pelvis. This muscle has the characteristic bumps or bulges, when contracting, that are commonly called 'the six pack'. The main function of the rectus abdominus is to move the body between the ribcage and the pelvis. External oblique - these flank the rectus abdominus. The external oblique allow the trunk to twist, but to the opposite side of whichever external oblique is contracting. For example, the right external oblique contracts to turn the body to the left. Internal oblique - these flank the rectus abdominus, and are located just inside the hip-bones. They operate in the opposite way to the external oblique Muscles. For example, twisting the trunk to the left requires the left hand side internal oblique and the right hand side external oblique to contract together. Nerve Supply The twelfth thoracic and first and second lumbar nerves, lower intercostals nerves.

The abdominal Muscles support the trunk, allow movement, and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure The Quadratus lumborum draws down the last rib, and acts as a muscle of inspiration by helping to fix the origin of the diaphragm.

Prune belly syndome Abdominal Hernia Abdominal muscle injury