Origin
Inguinal ligament, anterior iliac crest, costal cartilages of 7th to 12th ribs, thoracolumbar fascia.
Insertion
Linea alba, xiphoid process of sternum, pubic crest, pectineal line.
Blood supply
Subcostal artery, superior epigastric artery, inferior epigastric artery, superficial epigastric artery, musculophrenic artery, superficial and deep circumflex iliac arteries.
Nerve supply
Subcostal nerve, intercostals nerves, ilioinguinal nerve, iliohypogastric nerve.
Action
It plays an important role in supporting your internal abdominal organs. It compresses abdominal contents and helps pregnant women deliver their child. It helps in maintaining upright posture.
Disease/Injury
Athletic pubalgia/sports hernia, gynecological problems like endometriosis, uterine cysts, menstrual cramps and urinary tract infections can all present as abdominal muscle pain.
Muscle Exercise
Abdominal crunches, bent knee hip raise, leg raise, front plank and twisting motions help to strengthen your rectus abdominis.
Interesting facts
The muscle plays a vital role in sustained running because it is responsible for stabilizing your upper body while your legs move forward.
