Sheet like muscles - Abs or Abdominals

Please read it if you so desire and come back to this account. The rectus abdominis (literal meaning -the straight muscle of the belly.) is on our ventral that is the belly side. It covers the abdomen along midline and is referred to as abs, a word you may know or have heard of from your friends keen on physical fitness. It appears to be many muscles but in fact is just one paired muscle segmented in four distinct parts. Three pairs of these are seen clearly and are referred to by some as six packs.

The rectus abdominis extends from the pubis, bone on front side of hip girdle, to the rib cage. It originates from the pubic crest and pubic symphysis. It inserts on the tip of sternum called xiphoid process and costal cartilages of the fifth through seventh ribs. It acts to flex the vertebral column (while standing we bow, lying down we do a sit up). We use it to increase pressure on internal organs during defecation, urination and labor. It also helps to depress the rib cage during forced expiration.

During formation of muscles several muscle fiber bundles, the myomeres fuse to become the rectus abdominis. The rectus abdominis forms the floor of abdomen. In man an animal, who walks on two legs, rectus abdominis has to support the belly. A paunch means a strain on abs and we should avoid developing it. Underexercised abs and ever expanding bulge gives lower back ache which is a common problem of many middle aged men and women.

The rectus abdominis is a superficial strap like muscle and bodybuilders are proud to display their well developed tight abs. The overall appearance of the rectus abdominis is of four pairs of biscuits arranged in two columns. Take a look at it and see if you agree with me. http://www.exrx.net/Muscles/RectusAbdomi...

There is a white broad line of fibers, the linea alba, separating the pair of recti muscles. There are three fibrous bands of tendon like intersections.

It begins at cartilages attached to 5th, 6th and 7th ribs and lower end of sternum, the breast bone. It ends up at the pubic symphysis, a part joining two halves of hip girdle.

The rectus abdominis enables vertebral column to bend inwards i.e. flexion. We touch our toes while in sitting or standing position by contraction of this muscle. One can develop the rectus abdominis that is the abs by doing the sit-ups, also earlier referred to as crunches by some.

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