What are the abdominal muscles?

What are the abdominal muscles?

The abdominal (stomach) muscles are part of the musculoskeletal system. These muscles on the front of the body, between the pelvis and ribs, support the trunk (midsection), hold organs in place and help you move.

Your abdominal muscles and your back muscles are core muscles that support and stabilize the spine. They work together to help you sit, stand, walk, exercise and more.

Several groups of muscles make up the abdominal muscles:

• Oblique muscles contract to help rotate your body (trunk) left and right.
• Rectus abdominus muscles are the muscles you can see in “six-pack abs.” They allow movement between the ribcage and pelvis.
• Transversus abdominus muscles are the deepest abdominal muscles. They help stabilize the trunk and protect organs.