Anatomy of the Abdominal Muscles
In the simplest terms, the human abdomen can be called your “belly”. The abdomen is the area located between your thorax and pelvis. Your abdominal muscles which stretch from several areas of your ribs to several areas of your pelvis. In anatomical terms, the abdominal area is described as the region located between your thoracic diaphragm and the pelvic brim. Your abdomen includes a group of six muscles called your abdominal muscles. The six muscles include: a pair of internal oblique muscles, a pair of external oblique muscles, the transverse abdominal muscle and the rectus abdominis muscle.
External Obliques
The largest of these muscles are the external obliques which help to stabilize the spine while you are standing upright. One is located on each side of the torso. Along with the other abdominal muscles, the obliques’ main role is to provide forward flexing movement for your spine. Because these are more outward than other abdominal muscles, they have the least effect on your posture.
Internal Obliques
With one located on each side of the torso, these abdominal muscles help provide rotation and stabilization for the spine. They also help support forward flexing movement of the spine. Because they are located more deeply than your external obliques, your internal obliques will also have more effect on your posture.
Transverse Abdominus
This muscle is the most deeply located muscle of the abdominal group. It is a flat and triangular shaped muscle which wraps around your torso. Unlike other abdominal muscles, it cannot be touched from the outside of the body. Strengthening your transverse abdominus muscle will have the greatest effect on your posture.
The Rectus Abdominis and Six Pack Abs
If you know about abdominal muscles, then you know about six-pack abs. The rectus abdominis are the well known long flat muscles which are primarily responsible for the six pack ab look. These muscles are contained in a sheath and are characterized by eight sections, in two columns of four. Six of these sections can become visible when the ab area is well exercised and contains minimal fat.
Your abdominal muscles also play other important roles. This includes critical processes like assisting with breathing. In humans much of our digestive organs lie behind the abdominal muscles within the abdominal cavity. This means your abdominal muscles also serve as a layer of protection for these critical organs. Because of their location, your abdominal muscles will also provide support and movement for your trunk while supporting your overall posture.
Fitness and Your Abdominal Muscles
Fitness and exercise should not be overlooked whenever learning about abdominal muscles and their functions. Strong abdominal muscles will contribute to an overall healthy posture. Healthy abdominal muscles will support your back and help to prevent injury. They can also reduce the severity of pain due to back injury and reduce the amount of time you need to rehabilitate and heal the back area. Weak or tightened abdominal muscles can make your more susceptible to back spasms, pinched nerves or other back injuries resulting from compression of the spine. Several forms of exercise are available to help you target and strengthen the abdominal area. These include popular forms of exercise like yoga, Pilates, Jogging and Tai’-Chi. Each can be very effective and will have its own methods for targeting your abdominal muscles.
When learning about abdominal muscles you’ll come to appreciate the role that this group of muscles play in maintaining your posture and balance. Your abdominal health comes from fitness routines which focus on this area. With strong abs you’ll enjoy the benefits of a strong core and as your abdominal area becomes more fit, you’ll gain a physically fit appearance. Work with a trainer to learn specific exercises and techniques for strengthening your abs properly.
