Muscle
Rectus abdominis
The 'six-pack'
High-yield
Flexes the trunk; enclosed in the rectus sheath; supplied by ventral rami T7-T12 (thoracoabdominal nerves).
Overview
A long paired strap muscle in the anterior abdominal wall, divided by tendinous intersections, that flexes the trunk and compresses the abdomen.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Pubic symphysis and pubic crest
- Insertion
- Xiphoid process and 5th-7th costal cartilages
- Action
- Flexes the trunk (lumbar spine); compresses the abdominal viscera; tenses the abdominal wall
- Innervation
- Thoracoabdominal nerves - anterior rami of T7-T12
- Blood supply
- Superior and inferior epigastric arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the rectus abdominis do?
The rectus abdominis flexes the trunk (lumbar spine); compresses the abdominal viscera; tenses the abdominal wall.
What nerve innervates the rectus abdominis?
The rectus abdominis is innervated by the thoracoabdominal nerves - anterior rami of T7-T12.
Where does the rectus abdominis attach?
The rectus abdominis originates from the pubic symphysis and pubic crest and inserts on the xiphoid process and 5th-7th costal cartilages.
What is the blood supply of the rectus abdominis?
The rectus abdominis is supplied by the superior and inferior epigastric arteries.