The , also known as the '''transversalis muscle''' and '''transverse abdominal muscle''', is a muscle layer of the anterior and lateral
Abdominal Wall which is near to the
Internal Oblique muscle.
The transversus abdominis, so called from the direction of its fibers, is the most internal of the flat muscles of the abdomen, being placed immediately beneath the
Obliquus Internus .
It arises, by fleshy fibers, from the lateral third of the inguinal ligament, from the anterior three-fourths of the inner lip of the iliac crest, from the inner surfaces of the cartilages of the lower six ribs, interdigitating with the
Diaphragm , and from the lumbodorsal fascia.
The muscle ends in front in a broad aponeurosis, the lower fibers of which curve downward and medialward, and are inserted, together with those of the
Obliquus Internus , into the crest of the
Pubis and
Pectineal Line , forming the inguinal
Aponeurotic Falx .
Throughout the rest of its extent the aponeurosis passes horizontally to the middle line, and is inserted into the linea alba; its upper three-fourths lie behind the Rectus and blend with the posterior lamella of the aponeurosis of the Obliquus internus; its lower fourth is in front of the
Rectus .
It may be more or less fused with the Obliquus internus or absent. The spermatic cord may pierce its lower border. Slender muscle slips from the ileopectineal line to
Transversalis Fascia , the aponeurosis of the Transversus abdominis or the outer end of the
Linea Semicircularis and other slender slips are occasionally found.
The most well known and effective method of strengthening it is the
Vacuum Exercise , as well as engaging it during lifts. The TV is the body's personal weight belt, stabilizing the spine and pelvis during lifting movements. Failure to engage the muscle at higher intensity lifts is dangerous and encourages injury. It acts as a girdle or corset in creating
Hoop Tension around the midsection, tensing before contraction of the extremities.
Without a stable spine, the nervous system fails to recruit the muscles in extremities efficiently, and
Functional Movement s cannot be properly performed. Stabilization must then occur at the
Segmental Level . The transversus abdominis and the segmental stabilizers of the spine are designed to work in tandem. This kind of lifting eventually overloads
Segmental Stabilizers , and can result in massive lower back pain, early
Degeneration and many
Orthopedic problems.
