Transversus abdominis muscle

Transversus Abdominis Muscle

The Transversus Abdominis Muscle (pronunciation: trans-ver-sus ab-do-min-is mus-cle) is a significant muscle in the human anatomy. It is the deepest of the abdominal muscles, and plays a crucial role in maintaining posture and ensuring stability of the trunk.

Etymology

The term 'Transversus Abdominis' is derived from Latin, where 'transversus' means 'running across' and 'abdominis' refers to the 'abdomen'. Thus, the name directly refers to the muscle's position and orientation in the human body.

Anatomy

The Transversus Abdominis Muscle is located deep within the abdominal wall, beneath the Internal Oblique Muscle and External Oblique Muscle. It originates from the lumbar fascia, the inner surfaces of the 7th to 12th costal cartilages, the iliac crest, and the inguinal ligament. It inserts into the xiphoid process, the pubic crest, and the linea alba.

Function

The primary function of the Transversus Abdominis Muscle is to stabilize the trunk and maintain internal abdominal pressure. It also assists in forced expiration, urination, defecation, and childbirth.

Related Terms

• Abdominal Muscles
• Internal Oblique Muscle
• External Oblique Muscle
• Lumbar Fascia
• Iliac Crest
• Inguinal Ligament
• Xiphoid Process
• Pubic Crest
• Linea Alba

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