External oblique muscle of the abdomen
Synonyms
Latin: M.. obliquus externus abdominis
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- to the musculature overview
introduction
The external oblique abdominal muscle (Musculus obliquus externus abdominis) is a four-sided, approx. 0.7 cm thick plate. It is the largest of all abdominal muscles and is the most superficial. Training this muscle group is not only useful for aesthetic reasons, but also for health reasons.
Here you will find detailed information on the topic of abdominal muscle training
Approach, origin, innervation
Approach: Inguinal ligament, Labium externum of the iliac crest, tuberculum pubicum
Origin: External surface of the 5th - 12th rib
Innervation: Nn. intercostal V- XII
Illustration of the external oblique muscle
External oblique muscle of the abdomen
(External oblique muscle abdominis)
- External oblique abdominal muscle -
Obliquus muscle
externus abdominis - Iliac scoop -
Ala ossis ilii - Sacrum - Sacrum
- Tailbone - Os coccygis
- Pubic bone - Pubis
- Ischium - Os ischii
- Iliac crest -
Iliac crest - Twelfth rib - Costa XII
- Twelfth thoracic vertebra -
Vertebra thoracica XII - Fifth rib - Costa V
- Sternum - sternum
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
How is the muscle trained / contracted?
Based on the function of this muscle, the oblique abdominal muscles contract when the upper body is rotated and the upper body tilted to the side. In abdominal crunch, the effect on the external oblique muscle can be increased by turning the upper body sideways during the contraction.
The following exercises are therefore particularly suitable:
- Side push-ups
- Abdominal crunch
You can find an overview of all relevant topics in the area of strength training in the overview of strength training
How is the outer oblique abdominal muscle stretched?
If the upper body is tilted or turned to one side, the opposite of the outer oblique abdominal muscles are stretched at the same time.
Note: If the outer oblique abdominal muscle is stretched, the inner oblique abdominal muscles are stretched and vice versa.
Further information on this topic is available at:
- Stretching
- Overview of stretching exercises
function
The function of the external oblique abdominal muscle (Musculus obliquus externus abdominis) consists in the inclination of the axial skeleton.
One side of the outer obliques works with the inner obliques on the opposite side. Furthermore, the external oblique abdominal muscle supports the straight abdominal muscle when straightening the upper body.