Transverse Abdominis - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• Inner rim of iliac crest, inguinal ligament, thoracolumbar fascia, & costal cartilages of inferior 6 ribs
   

Insertion:

• Xiphiod process, linea alba, and pubis

Major Arteries:

Neural Innervation:

• Thoracic spinal nerves T8-T12

• Iliohypogastric nerve

• Ilioinguinal nerve

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• Pulls abdominal wall inward (forced expiration) & increases intra-abdominal pressure

Eccentric Functions:
 

• Dynamically stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during functional movements

Isometric Function:

• Dynamically stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex

Related Muscles

• Internal Obliques

• External Obliuqes

• Rectus Abdominis

Antagonist:

Exercises:

• Core Exercise Videos

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More Images of the Transverse Abdominis

More Information about the Transverse Abdominis

The transverse abdominis is also commonly written as the transversus abdominis.  The transverse abdominis muscle works together with the obliques to increase intra-abdominal pressure which supports the vertebral column in some exercises.

The transverse abdominis muscle is assisted by the rectus abdominis and obliques, in holding the abdomen flat.

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