Straight abdominal muscle

Synonyms

Latin: M.. rectus abdominis

• to the abdominal muscles overview
• to the musculature overview

introduction

The straight abdominal muscle (rectus abdominis muscle) runs on both sides of the medial line of the abdomen. It is up to 40 cm long, 7 cm wide and can be up to an inch thick. The muscle has 3 to 4 sinewy transverse ridges that divide the straight abdominal muscle into 4 to 5 individual sections.

These sections can be shortened in isolation, which must be taken into account for targeted abdominal muscle training.

Figure straight abdominal muscle

Straight abdominal muscle

1. Straight Abdominal Muscle -
   Rectus abdominis muscle
2. Ischium -
   Os ischii
3. Pubic symphysis -
   Pubic symphysis
4. Pubic bone -
   Pubis
5. White line -
   Linea alba
6. Intermediate tendon -
   Intersectio tendinea
7. Rectus sheath -
   Vagina recti abdominis muscles
8. Costal cartilage -
   Cartilago costalis
9. Sword extension -
   Xiphoid process
10. 7th rib - Costa VII
11. 5th rib - Costa V

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Approach, origin, innervation

Approach: Pubic bone next to the pubic symphysis (Pubic tuberosity)

Origin: 5. - 7. Costal cartilage, sword process of the sternum (processus xiphoideus sterni)

Innervation: Nn. intercostales 5-12

How is the straight abdominal muscle trained / contracted?

The training of the straight abdominal muscles usually takes place by straightening the upper body while lying down. The athlete lies flat on his stomach and slowly straightens himself up.

Further information on this topic is available at:

• Abdominal crunch
• Reverse crunch

You can find an overview of all relevant topics in the area of ​​strength training in the overview of strength training

How is the straight abdominal muscle stretched?

The abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis muscle) are rarely stretched in sports practice. In order to set an effective stretching stimulus for the straight abdominal muscles, the upper body must be brought into a hollow back position.
The athlete kneels on the floor and extends his arms far in front of the body. To optimize the stretching of the abdominal muscles, the use of a Pezzi ball is recommended. The athlete ligates on the ball in the supine position and tries to maintain contact with the ball over the entire spine. It is important that your feet stay in contact with the ground.

Additional Information:

• Stretching
• Overview of stretching exercises

function

The straight abdominal muscle is the main antagonist of the deep, straight and short back muscles. It fixes the torso when carrying objects.

If the pelvis is not fixed (In the free slope), the straight abdominal muscles are responsible for lifting and holding the pelvis. When the pelvis is fixed, the rectus abdominis is used for bending the trunk (Straighten up of the upper body from lying down) responsible.