rectus abdominis muscle

Introduction

Flat muscle of the ventral abdominal wall, flanking the linea alba. It is characterized by tendinous intersections separating its length into multiple bellies.

Origin

• pubic symphysis
• pubic crest

Insertion

• xiphoid process
• 5th to 7th costal cartilages

Action

• flexes lumbar vertebral column
• draws thorax downward towards pubis

Innervation

• thoracoabdominal nerves

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)

Additional terms

• spigelian hernia