Rectus abdominis muscle

From Freepedia

Image:Rectus abdominis.png The rectus abdominis muscle is a paired muscle running vertically on each side of the anterior wall of the human abdomen (and in some animals). There are two parallel muscles, separated by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba (white line). It extends from the pubic symphysis inferiorly to the xiphisternum and lower costal cartilages superiorly. It is responsible for flexing the lumbar spine, as when doing a 'sit-up'. It can play a role in respiration in the event the patient is short of breath.

If well-defined, the rectus abdominis is colloquially called a "six-pack." This is due to tendinous intersections within the muscle, usually at the level of the umbilicus (belly-button), the xiphisternum, and about halfway in-between.

The inferior epigastric artery and vein (or veins) run superiorly on the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis, enter the rectus fascia at the arcuate line, and help to supply the muscle with blood. It is innervated segmentally by thoraco-abdominal nerves (T7 to T12).

Muscles of the trunk

The deep muscles of the back: Interspinales muscle | Intertransversarii muscle | Multifidus muscle | Rotatores muscle | Sacrospinalis muscle | Semispinalis muscle | Splenius capitis muscle | Splenius cervicis muscle The suboccipital muscles: Obliquus capitis inferior muscle | Obliquus capitis superior muscle | Rectus capitis posterior major muscle | Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle The muscles of the thorax: Diaphragm | Intercostales externi muscle | Intercostales interni muscle | Levatores costarum muscle | Serratus posterior inferior muscle | Serratus posterior superior muscle | Subcostales muscle | Transversus thoracis muscle The muscles of the abdomen: Cremaster muscle | Obliquus externus abdominis muscle | Obliquus internus abdominis muscle | Psoas major muscle | Psoas minor muscle | Pyramidalis muscle | Quadratus lumborum muscle | Rectus abdominis muscle | Transversus abdominis muscle The muscles of the pelvis: Coccygeus muscle | Levator Ani muscle The muscles of the perineum: Bulbospongiosus muscle | Corrugator cutis ani muscle | Ischiocavernosus muscle | Sphincter ani externus muscle | Sphincter ani internus muscle | Sphincter urethrae membranaceae muscle | Transversus perinei profundus muscle | Transversus perinei superficialis muscle