Muscles+of+the+Abdomen

=Muscles of the Abdomen= The abdomen of humans is located between the pelvis and the thorax.The muscles of the abdomen include the transverse abdominal, the internal obliques, the external obliques, and the rectus abdomnius. These muscles are in order of closest to the spine to the outer abdomen. The closer the muscle is to the spine the greater control it has over the posture of the body.

Transverse Abdominis:
The [|transverse abdominis] is the major core muscle of the abdomen and is the inner-most of the abdominal muscles. This muscle is of such great importance because it helps to provide thoracic and pelvic stability by compressing the ribs and viscera.

Rectus Abdominis:
The [|rectus abdominis], also popularly referred to as the "abs", is a major muscle of the abdomen, that runs in pairs from the pubic crest to the xiphoid process. These muscles are of significance, because they are what is needed to keep a good posture and it also allows the lumbar spin to flex. It also helps to aid one in breathing, especially when one is short of breath. These muscles can be exercised and the muscle becomes well-defined, which people refer to as a six pack or washboard abs.

Internal Oblique:
The [|internal oblique] is intermediate muscle of the abdomen, and it lies beneath the external oblique. It is also quite small and triangular-shaped. The internal oblique is an important muscle because it is a great help with exhalation. It helps to reduce the volume of the thoracic cavity when exhalation takes place. Another main function of this muscle is able to rotate the body. It is usually referred to as the "same side rotators".

[[image:abs2.jpg width="233" height="320" align="left"]]External Oblique:
The [|external oblique] is the muscle located to the most superficial part of the abdomen, and it lies on top of the internal oblique. It is a thin and broad muscle that at many times is not visible, due to the subcutaneous fat deposits and also because of the muscles small size. The external oblique has important functions that increase the intra-abdominal pressure by pulling the chest downwards and compressing the abdominal cavity. In the vetebral column it also has limited actions in rotation and flexion.