Anatomy

Rectus Abdominis

A long flat muscle that extends along the whole length of both sides of the abdomen. It flexes the vertebral column, particularly the lumbar portion; it also tenses the anterior abdominal wall and assists in compressing the abdominal contents. It is frequently the site of hematomas. In PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES it is often used for the creation of MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP. (From Gray's Anatomy, 30th American ed, p491)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A long flat muscle that extends along the whole length of both sides of the abdomen. It flexes the vertebral column, particularly the lumbar portion; it also tenses the anterior abdominal wall and assists in compressing the abdominal contents. It is frequently the site of hematomas. In PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES it is often used for the creation of MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP. (From Gray's Anatomy, 30th American ed, p491)

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

6 entry terms
  • Recti Abdominis
  • Rectus Abdominus
  • Rectus Muscle of Abdomen
  • Abdomen Rectus Muscle
  • Abdomen Rectus Muscles
  • Abdominus, Rectus

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

/growth: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT; /embryol: coordinate with MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT if pertinent

MeSH Record

History Note

94

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Abdominal Muscles (1966-1993)

MeSH Hierarchy

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AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Rectus Abdominis. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D017568. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D017568
  2. Rectus Abdominis. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectus_abdominis_muscle
  3. Rectus Abdominis. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q275150