The Abdominal Muscles And Massage

Here are the abdominal muscles for your massage study. The abdominals are comprised of 4 muscles. They are rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus, internal obliques, and external obliques.

The fibers of these muscles run in 4 different ways and act as an insulator to hold the internal organs in place.

Rectus Abdominus

Origins are pubic symphysis and pubic tubercle.

Insertions are ribs 5-7 and xiphoid process.

Actions--flexes the vertebral column, compresses contents of the abdomen, and tilts the pelvis anteriorly.

Every few inches there is a band of horizontal connective tissue. This band of tissue is called a tendinous intersection. This muscle sometimes separates in the late stages of pregnancy and when this occurs, it is called rectus diastasis.

Transverse Abdominus

Origins are ribs 7-12, iliac crest, inguinal ligament, and thoracolumbar aponeurosis.

Insertions are abdominal aponeurosis and linea alba.

Action--compresses contents of the abdomen.

This is the deepest of the stomach muscles and it stabilizes the lumbar spine by wrapping around the internal organs. It is also known as the complex muscle.

Internal Obliques

Origins are iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia, and inguinal ligament.

Insertions are ribs 7-12 and linea alba.

Actions--compresses contents of the abdomen, flexes vertebral column, laterally flexes vertebral column, and rotates vertebral column.

External Obliques

Origins are ribs 5-12.

Insertions are linea alba, iliac crest, and abdominal fascia.

Actions--compresses contents of the abdomen, flexes vertebral column, laterally flexes vertebral column, and rotates vertebral column.

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