Rectus Abdominis

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Description:[edit | edit source]

Rectus abdominis is a long muscular strap extending from the ventral lower sternum to the pubis. The muscle is interrupted (but not all the way through) by three (or more) fibrous bands called the tendinous intersections, the most superior intersection is generally at the level of the xiphoid, the lower intersection is at the level of umbilicus and the middle one is at the midway between them. 

Origin:[edit | edit source]

It is originated from two tendons inferiorly medial and lateral; 

  • Medial: ligaments covering the front of symphysis pubis 
  • Lateral: the pubis 

Insertion:[edit | edit source]

Sternum (xiphoid process, costoxiphoid ligament)

Ribs 5 to 7 (costal cartilages by three fascicles of differing sizes)

Nerve:[edit | edit source]

Spinal nerves T7 to T12 (ventral rami) 

T7 innervates fibers above the superior tendinous intersection, T8 innervates fibers between the superior and middle intersections and T9 innervates fibers between the middle and lower intersection.

Artery[edit | edit source]

Function[edit | edit source]

The main action for rectus abdominis is flexion of the trunk (flexion of thoracic and lumber spine), while it works by drawing symphysis and Sternum toward each other.

Also, it works on posterior pelvic tilt with other abdominal muscles.

Clinical relevance:[edit | edit source]

Diastasis Recti Abdominis is a midline separation at the linea alba. A palpable midline gap of more than 2.5 cm or any visible bulging on exertion is considered as a diastasis and commonly occurs around the umbilicus, but can occur anywhere between the xiphoid process and pubic bone.

It is very common among pregnant women. The muscle opening often shrinks after giving birth, but in some studies of women with diastasis recti, the muscle wasn't back to normal even a year later, so they should bring those affected muscles back together before having another pregnancy. 

Newborn babies also can have this belly spread and it should go away on its own. It is most seen often in premature and African American infants.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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