Rectus Abdominis

Anterior abdominal wall muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Muscles of the Abdomen1
Reading list
  • Abdominal muscles2
  • Neuman3
  • MMT4
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Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Action
Rectus abdominis Trunk: Flexion
Abdomen: Compression
Pelvic: stabilization

Origin

  • Lateral head: crest of pubis to the pubic tubercle5.
  • Medial head: anterior region of pubic symphysis5.

Insertion

  • Cartilage of ribs 5-75.
  • xiphoid process of the sternum5.

Innervation

The pyramidalis is innervated by the Intercostal nn. originating from T5-T12 and the Subcostal n. with origins from the T125.

Action

  • Trunk flexion5
  • Abdomen compression5.
  • Pelvic stabilization5

Overview

Dysfunction

  • Diastasis Recti

    • References

    1.
    Betts JG, Blaker W. Openstax Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
    2.
    Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
    3.
    Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
    4.
    Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
    5.
    Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

    Citation

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