The abdominal muscles serve many functions. They support your body’s movement and hold organs in their place. There are five major muscles: transversus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Hernias and ab strains are quite common. However, there are several ways to keep your abs healthy and safe.
What are the abdominal muscles?
The abdominal muscles (trunk area of your body) are a group of strong muscles that line the walls of your abdomen. They are located in the front of your body, between your ribs and your pelvis.
The abdomen has five major muscles:
- External obliques.
- Internal obliques.
- Pyramidalis.
- Rectus abdominis.
- Transversus abdominis.
FUNCTION
What is the function of your abdominal muscles?
The important job of your abdominal muscles is to:
- They aid with vital bodily functions such as urinating and defecating, coughing and sneezing. They also help to increase the intra-abdominal blood pressure, which facilitates childbirth.
- Protect your internal organs (including your stomach and intestines) by holding them in place.
- Keep a constant internal pressure in your abdomen.
- Keep your posture straight and give core support.
- Standing, sitting, bending over or twisting, support your spine and body.
ANATOMY
What are the locations of your abdominal muscles?
Your abdomen has five major muscles. Two of these muscles are located in the middle of your abdomen. Three flat muscles are stacked on top of each other and located towards the sides of your trunk.
These are the two vertical muscles.
- Pyramidalis This is a small, triangle-shaped vertical muscle. It is located in the lower part of your pelvis. It maintains internal pressure in your abdomen.
- Rectus abdominals: This pair of muscles run down your middle abdomen, from your ribs to your front pelvis. These muscles keep your internal organs in their proper place and stabilize your body during movement. When someone is slim and fit, the rectus abdominis can form bumps that are sometimes called a six-pack.
These are the three flat muscles.
- External Obliques: The external obliques (or ) are two muscles located on either side of the rectus abdominals. They are the largest flat muscles, and they are at the bottom of this stack. They are located at the bottom of the stack and run along the sides of the body. External obliques allow the trunk to turn side to side.
- Internal Obliques: The internal obliques (internal obliques) are two muscles that sit on top of your external obliques. They are located just below your hip bones. They are located on the sides and bottom of the rectus abdominals and run from the trunk towards the middle. They are connected to the external oblique muscles, allowing the trunk to twist or turn.
- Transversus Abdominis: At the bottom of this stack is the transversus abdominis. This pair of flat muscles is the deepest. These muscles stabilize the trunk and maintain abdominal pressure.
CONDITIONS & DISORDERS
What conditions can affect the abdominal muscles (“abs”)?
The most common condition that affects the abdominal muscles is abdominal strains or pulls. These conditions can occur with:
- It would be best if you did not overstretch your muscles.
- Exercising too much can cause your abs to ache.
- Rapid, violent twisting in the trunk
Strains may range from minor tears or tears in muscle fibres to severe pulls, which can cause the muscle to be dislocated.
This injury is more common in twisting sports, such as golf, football, baseball, and tennis. A significant strain can be characterized by:
- Moving is difficult.
- Your core may experience muscle spasms.
- Trunk pain when you are exercising, laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
- Swelling and bruising
- In severe cases, trouble breathing can occur.
An abdominal strain can be treated with:
- Local compresses (ice packs/heat)
- Gentle stretching is fine as long as it doesn’t hurt.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (oral and topical cream).
- Physical therapy.
- Rest.
- Compression (binders). Check with your doctor about their indications and duration.
What other conditions can affect the abdominal muscles and their function?
A hernia is another health problem in the abdominal muscles. A hernia occurs when an internal organ pushes through weak spots in the muscle. An inguinal hernia can be caused by the small intestines pushing through weak muscles in the groin. A hernia is characterized by:
- Pain or aches at the site of the hernia.
- You can feel and see a bump or bulge, which is more obvious when you strain.
- A feeling of heaviness and ache near the area of swelling.
- Lifting something can cause pain and bulging.