Rectus Abdominus

The rectus abdominus muscle is the most superficial of the abdominal muscles. It and the external obliques affect body posture, just not as much as the deeper internal obliques and transversus.

Anatomy of the Rectus Abdominus

The rectus abdominus muscle (commonly known as "abs") is a paired muscle running vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the human abdomen (and in some other animals).

There are two parallel muscles, separated by a midline band of connective tissue called the linea alba (white line). It extends from the front of the ribs to the front of the pelvis at the pubis symphysis.

The rectus abdominus muscle is responsible for the 6-pack ab look in very fit people.

Functions of the Rectus Abdominus

• The rectus abdominus is a key postural muscle. It is responsible for flexing the lumbar spine, as when doing a 'crunch'.
• The rectus abdominus can play a role in respiration in the event the patient is short of breath.
• It also helps in keeping the internal organs intact.
• It also helps in creating intra-abdominal pressure, such as when exercising or lifting heavy weights, during forceful defecation or parturition.

Exercises for the Rectus Abdominus

There are a number of abdominal exercises that are suited for the rectus abdominus and these include;

• Abdominal Crunches,
• Side crunches,
• Lying leg raises,
• Abdominal sit-ups, and
• Cable crunches

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