Abdominal Muscles

Location of Rectus Abdominis

Visual Muscles of the Abs

Concentric Action of Rectus Abdominis

Spinal flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation

Eccentric Action of Rectus Abdominis

Spinal extension, lateral flexion, and rotation

Isometric Action of Rectus Abdominis

Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Location of External Oblique

Side of Abdomen

Concentric Action of External Oblique

Spinal flexion, lateral flexion, and contralateral rotation

Eccentric Action of External Oblique

Spinal extension, lateral flexion, and rotation

Isometric Action of External Oblique

Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Location of Internal Oblique

Side of Abdomen, Deep to External Oblique

Concentric Action of Internal Oblique

Spinal flexion, lateral flexion, and ipsilateral rotation

Eccentric Action of Internal Oblique

Spinal extension, rotation, and lateral flexion

Isometric Action of Internal Oblique

Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Location of Transverse Abdominis

Posterior to Internal Obliques, Deep in Abdomen

Concentric Action of Transverse Abdominis

Increases intra-abdominal pressure and supports the abdominal viscera

Isometric Action of Transverse Abdominis

Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Location of Diaphragm

In the Thoracic Cavity, separating the lungs and heart from the abdominal organs

Concentric Action of Diaphragm

Pulls the central tendon inferiorly, increasing the volume in the thoracic cavity

Isometric Action of Diaphragm

Stabilization of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex