Medical expert of the article
New publications
Abdominal rectus abdominis
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The rectus abdominis muscle (m. rectus abdominis) is a flat, long, ribbon-shaped muscle located on the side of the midline. It is separated from the muscle of the same name on the opposite side by the white line of the abdomen. The muscle begins with two tendinous parts - on the pubic bone (between the pubic symphysis and the pubic tubercle) and the pubic ligaments. Heading upward, the muscle noticeably expands and attaches to the anterior surface of the xiphoid process and the outer surface of the cartilages of the VII, VI and V ribs. The muscle bundles are interrupted by three or four transversely oriented tendon bridges (intersectionis tendinei), tightly fused with the anterior plate of the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. When the abdominal muscles contract, the bridges in lean people form clearly visible transverse grooves on the anterior abdominal wall, limited at the top and bottom by protruding areas that correspond to individual bellies of this muscle. The tendinous bridges of the rectus abdominis muscle are the remains of connective tissue septa (myosepta) between the myotomes from which this muscle developed. The first, most cranially located tendinous bridge is at the level of the cartilage of the VIII rib. The next, second, bridge is located midway between the first bridge and the navel; the third is at the level of the navel; the fourth is less common, weakly expressed, is located at the level of the arcuate line of the posterior wall of the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Function of the rectus abdominis muscle: with a strengthened spine and pelvic girdle, it pulls the ribs down (lowers the rib cage), bends the spine (torso), and with a fixed rib cage, it raises the pelvis.
Innervation of the rectus abdominis muscle: intercostal nerves VI-XII (ThVI- ThXII), iliohypogastric nerve (ThXII-LI).
Blood supply of the rectus abdominis muscle: superior and inferior epigastric arteries, posterior intercostal arteries.
[ Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
How to examine?