External Obliques - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• External surfaces of ribs 5-12 (Lower 7 or 8 ribs) 

  
  

Insertion:

• Anterior 2/3 of the iliac crest & the lateral 2/3 of the inguinal ligament

Major Artery:

Neural Innervation:

• Lower 6 intercostal nerve

• Subcostal nerve

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• Flexion, rotation and lateral reflection of the (lumbar spine) torso

Eccentric Functions:

• Decelerates extension & rotation of the (lumbar) spine

Isometric Function:

• Dynamically stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Related Muscles

• Quadratus Lumborum
• Rectus Abdominis
• Transverse Abdominis

Exercises:

• Oblique Exercise Videos

More Images of the External Obliques Muscle

More Information about the External Obliques Muscle

The external obliques muscle is derived from 'obliquus externus abdominis' in Latin.  Both external and internal obliques work with the transverse abdominis to increase the intra-abdominal pressure which helps support the lumbar spine in some exercises.

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