What does abdominal muscle mean?

Abdominal muscles are a collective term for the muscles in the abdominal region and form an important muscle group responsible for maintaining abdominal shape and function. They mainly include the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis. These muscles protect the abdominal organs, assist in trunk movements, and help maintain intra-abdominal pressure. If you experience persistent abdominal muscle pain, weakness, or abnormal bulging, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Anatomically, the rectus abdominis lies on both sides of the midline of the abdomen and enables forward flexion of the trunk when contracted—this is the area commonly referred to as where "ab lines" or "six-pack" appear. The external and internal oblique muscles are located on the lateral sides of the abdomen and run diagonally; they primarily contribute to lateral bending and rotation of the trunk. The transversus abdominis is the deepest layer, running horizontally, and helps increase abdominal pressure and stabilize the abdominal cavity when contracted.

From a physiological standpoint, abdominal muscles not only maintain the normal shape of the abdomen but also protect intra-abdominal organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver from trauma caused by external forces. During daily activities, they work together with back muscles to perform actions like bending and twisting, and assist in physiological processes such as breathing and defecation by regulating abdominal pressure.

Routine exercises such as planks and crunches can moderately strengthen the abdominal muscles. Avoid excessive strain during workouts, perform proper warm-up and stretching before and after exercise, and maintain a balanced diet with sufficient protein intake to support muscle recovery and sustain healthy abdominal muscle function.