rectus abdominis muscle


rec·tus ab·dom·i·nis mus·cle

(rek'tŭs ab-dom'i-nis mŭs'ĕl) Muscle of ventral abdominal wall, flanking the linea alba, characterized by tendinous intersections separating its length into multiple bellies; origin, crest and symphysis of the pubis; insertion, xiphoid process and fifth to seventh costal cartilages; action, flexes lumbar vertebral column, draws thorax downward toward pubis; nerve supply, thoracoabdominal nerves.
Synonym(s): musculus rectus abdominis [TA] , rectus muscle of abdomen.

rectus abdominis muscle

Abdominal wall muscle. Origin: crest and symphysis of pubis. Insertion: xiphoid process, costal cartilages 5-7. Nerve: spinal T7-T12. Action: tenses abdomen, flexes vertebral column. See also: muscle