Rectus Abdominis

• Origin: Two heads

  • Medial head: In front of the Pubic Symphysis
  • Lateral head: Upper border of the Pubic Crest

• Upper parts of muscle separated from each other by the Linea Alba

• Insertion: Front of the 5th-7th Costal Cartilages

  • NB: Rectus Abdominis extends above the costal margin

• Three tendinous intersections – at umbilicus, at xiphisternum and one between these two

  • Intersections blend inseparably from the anterior layer of the Rectus Sheath
  • Occupy only the superficial part of the muscle – do not penetrate to the posterior surface, thus, is not connected to the posterior layer of the sheath

• Surgical Practice Point

  • When performing a paramedian incision, to preserve the nerve supply to the whole of the rectus muscle – divide the Anterior Rectus Sheath and retract the Rectus muscle laterally instead of dividing it
  • Keep the incision close to the midline