Origin
External obliques – 5th to 12th ribs.
Internal obliques – Iliac crest, inguinal ligament.
Insertion
External obliques – Iliac crest, linea alba, pubic tubercle.
Internal obliques – 10th, 11th and 12th rib; linea alba, pectineal line.
Blood supply
External obliques – Lower intercostals arteries, deep circumflex iliac artery, iliolumbar artery.
Internal obliques – subcostal arteries.
Nerve supply
External obliques – subcostal nerve, thoracoabdominal nerve.
Internal obliques – subcostal nerve, thoracoabdominal nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, iliohypogastric nerve.
Action
All trunk movements such as bending on the sides, twisting, and waist rotations are carried out with the help of the internal and external obliques.
Disease/Injury
The oblique muscles can become strained due to excessive physical activity or a direct injury.
Muscle Exercise
Side bends and waist rotations help to strengthen the obliques.
Interesting Facts
Working the obliques helps in toning the waist.
