Q12 Rectus Abdominis

Question 1

Give the position of this muscle

Answer 1

Most superficial and anterior abdominal muscle having an anterolateral position on either side of midline.

Question 2

State the attachments of this muscle

Answer 2

Proximal attachment: The pubis, crest and symphysis,

Distal Attachment: anterior surface of the xiphoid process of sternum and costal cartilages of the 5th 6th and 7th ribs.

Question 3

List the actions of Rectus Abdominis muscle

Answer 3

Flexes the trunk against resistance– bilateral action

Ipsilateral Lateral flexion the trunk – unilateral action

Question 4

State 3 functional activities in which the abdominal muscle group plays an important role

Answer 4

Supports the lumbar spine, getting up from lying, raising intra-abdominal pressure for sneezing, vomiting etc, pelvic tilt