The muscles of the abdomen are a complex set of structures that contribute to the protection of internal organs, posture, and movement. These muscles are divided into the anterolateral abdominal wall and the posterior abdominal wall. Each of these walls have distinct structures and functions.
The anterolateral abdominal wall is composed of four layers: skin, superficial fascia (connective tissue), muscles, and parietal peritoneum. Of these layers, the muscles are the most important. They consist of flat and vertical muscles that are stacked on top of each other and have fibres that run in different directions, providing strength and stability to the abdominal wall.
The vertical muscles in the anterolateral abdominal wall are situated near the midline of the body. They are responsible for two important functions: maintaining posture and allowing trunk rotation. Additionally, they aid in forceful expiration and in increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which is necessary for activities such as sneezing, coughing, lifting, urinating, defecating, and childbirth.
The posterior abdominal wall is located medial to the lateral abdominal walls and is limited anteriorly by the posterior part of the parietal peritoneum. It includes the lumbar vertebrae, pelvic girdle, five posterior abdominal muscles and related fascia, as well as major nerves, vessels, and organs located on the inner surface of the wall.
The posterior abdominal wall helps to protect the internal organs, as well as providing support for posture. It is also involved in the movement of the vertebral column and in trunk rotation. Additionally, the posterior abdominal wall works in conjunction with the anterolateral abdominal wall to increase intra-abdominal pressure in activities such as sneezing, coughing, lifting, urinating, defecating, and childbirth.
The muscles of the abdomen are an important and complex set of structures that provide protection for internal organs, facilitate posture and movement, and aid in increasing intra-abdominal pressure. The anterolateral abdominal wall consists of four layers, with the muscles providing stability and strength. The posterior abdominal wall, located medial to the lateral abdominal walls, includes the lumbar vertebrae, pelvic girdle, five posterior abdominal muscles and related fascia, as well as major nerves, vessels, and organs located on the inner surface of the wall. It helps to protect the internal organs, support posture, and works together with the anterolateral abdominal wall to increase intra-abdominal pressure.
