1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sports Medicine

Abdominal Muscles - How to Exercise Your Abs

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Updated: May 12, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Medical Review Board

2 of 8

Abdominal Muscles - The Rectus Abdominis

The Rectus Abdominis Muscle

The Rectus Abdominis Muscle

Adam
The most well-known and prominent abdominal muscle is the rectus abdominis. It is the long, flat muscle that extends vertically between the pubis and the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs.

A strong tendinous sheath called the "linea alba," or white line, divides the rectus abdominis down the middle, and three more horizontal tendinous sheaths give the muscle its familiar "washboard" look in very fit athletes.

The rectus abdominis helps to flex the spinal column, narrowing the space between the pelvis and the ribs. It is also active during side bending motions and helps stabilize the trunk during movements involving the extremities and head.

2 of 8

Explore Sports Medicine

More from About.com

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Sports Medicine
  4. Abdominal Exercises
  5. Abdominal Muscles - The Rectus Abdominis

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.