MuscleAbdominal wall — anterior
Rectus abdominis
Latin: M. rectus abdominis
Location: Abdomen
View the rectus abdominis in 3DOrigin
Pubic crest and pubic symphysis.
Insertion
Costal cartilages 5–7 and xiphoid process.
Action
Flexes the lumbar spine (crunches), tilts the pelvis posteriorly, and raises intra-abdominal pressure for defecation, childbirth and forced expiration.
Nerve supply
Anterior branches of thoracoabdominal nerves T7–T12.
Blood supply
Superior and inferior epigastric arteries (deep inferior epigastric pedicles power DIEP flaps).
Clinical relevance
The paired muscles are crossed by three or four tendinous intersections that create the 'six-pack'; diastasis recti — midline separation after pregnancy — bulges the linea alba.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.