rectus abdominis (muscle)

rec·tus ab·do·mi·nis (mus·cle)

[TA]

muscle of ventral abdominal wall, flanking the linea alba, and characterized by tendinous intersections separating its length into multiple bellies; origin, crest and symphysis of the pubis; insertion, xiphoid process and fifth to seventh costal cartilages; action, flexes lumbar vertebral column, draws thorax downward toward pubis; nerve supply, thoracoabdominal nerves.

Synonym(s): musculus rectus abdominis [TA], rectus muscle of abdomen

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