Anatomy of the Abdominal Muscles Home -> Advanced Training -> Muscular Anatomy -> Abdominal Anatomy   Anatomy Chart courtesy of FCIT The Abdominals are composed of several muscles: the Rectus Abdominus, Transverse Abdominus, and the External and Internal Obliques. The Abdominal muscles sit on the front and sides of the lower half of the torso, originating along the rib cage and attaching along the pelvis. The Rectus Abdominus muscle is commonly known as the "six-pack" muscle of the abs. Thin bands of connective tissue give it that appearance. The Transverse Abdominus (also known as the Transversus) is the deepest muscle of the core (meaning it's underneath all the other muscles). It wraps laterally around the abdominal area. The fibers of External and Internal Obliques run diagonally on the body, allowing for angled movement. Functions Rectus Abdominus Flex the spine (bringing the rib cage closer to the pelvis). This is seen in the abdominal crunching movement. When the movement is reversed, the Rectus Abdominus acts to bring the pelvis closer to the rib cage (e.g. with a leg raise movement). Transverse Abdominus Acts as a natural weight belt, keeping your insides in. This muscle is essential for trunk stability as well as keeping your waist tight. Internal and External Obliques Work to rotate the torso and stabilize the abdomen. Exercises Some common exercises that work the Abdominals include: Abdominal Crunches Side crunches Lying leg raises Abdominal sit-ups Cable crunches Hanging leg raises Side bends Ab machine crunches Swiss Ball crunches Decline board sit-ups Here is a list of unique exercises and articles for the abs that have been published in our monthly training newsletter "BetterU News" and on our membership site Powerful Training Secrets Free Trial area (these links will open in new windows). Double Dumbell Swings Explosive Band Knee-Ups Waist Your Breath - Breathing For A Thinner Waist Strong To The Core of Your Being - Dramatically improve sports and weightlifting performance and say goodbye to lower back pain! Small Ball Crunches - An Amazing Abdominal Exercise For Everyone From Beginner To Advanced! Secret Training Tip #793 - Seated Hanging Leg Raises Secret Training Tip #927 - Two Ab Exercises With a Twist For Rock-Hard Obliques and Explosive Core Power Secret Training Tip #787 - Two Dumbell Ball Twists Secret Training Tip #991 - Lying Cable-Curl Crunches - A Unique Exercise For Shredding the Upper Abs Secret Training Tip #667 - Crunch Pulldowns For a Great Six-Pack