Rectus Abdominis Muscle, Lateral View

Description

Rectus abdominis is presented in lateral profile on an adult male trunk, extending vertically from the pubic crest and pubic symphysis toward the xiphoid process and costal cartilages of ribs 5 to 7. Its broad anterior belly sits superficial to the transversus abdominis and the posterior layer of the rectus sheath, while the tendinous intersections segment the muscle along its superior to inferior course. Superiorly, the costal margin and multiple ribs frame the upper abdominal wall, and inferiorly the anterior pelvis is partially visible; the humerus and triceps brachii lie lateral and posterior to the chest wall in the same field. Side views like this matter when you are teaching the layered mechanics of the anterior abdominal wall rather than the familiar frontal “six-pack.” The lateral perspective clarifies how rectus abdominis contributes to trunk flexion and posterior pelvic tilt while acting with the diaphragm and pelvic floor during forced expiration, coughing, and defecation, and it helps explain why disruption of the rectus sheath and linea alba changes abdominal contour. Surgeons also think in this plane when planning paramedian and Pfannenstiel incisions, where splitting or retracting rectus can spare segmental intercostal neurovascular supply that enters the muscle from its lateral border. Use this artwork for gross anatomy and kinesiology modules on core musculature, for surgical education illustrating abdominal wall approaches and hernia mechanics, or as a figure in textbooks and patient handouts explaining rectus strain and postoperative rehabilitation after laparotomy or C-section. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.