Rectus abdominis
Musculus rectus abdominis
MuscularSuperficial musclesWhole body
- What it is
- Paired vertical strap muscles either side of the linea alba, running from the pubic crest and symphysis up to the xiphoid process and costal cartilages 5–7. Three tendinous intersections divide each strap into the segments of the "six-pack".
- Function
- Flexes the lumbar spine (sit-up), tenses the abdominal wall and raises intra-abdominal pressure.
- Size
- About 30 cm long; each strap ~8 cm wide above, ~3 cm at the pubis, ~1 cm thick.
- Clinical note
- Rectus diastasis (separation at the linea alba) is common after pregnancy; the anterior rectus sheath is omitted here to show the muscle.