Oblique Muscle
External Oblique
The external obliques originate at the fifth to twelfth ribs and insert into the iliac crest, the inguinal ligament, and the linea alba of the rectus abdominis. They support the abdominal wall, assist forced expiration, aid raising intraabdominal pressure and, with muscles of opposite side, abduct and rotate the trunk. The external oblique muscles also allow flexion of the spine, and enable ‘sideways’ bending and compression of the abdomen.
