RECTUS ABDOMINIS
\ɹˈɛktəs ˌabdəmˈiːnɪz], \ɹˈɛktəs ˌabdəmˈiːnɪz], \ɹ_ˈɛ_k_t_ə_s ˌa_b_d_ə_m_ˈiː_n_ɪ_z]\
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A long flat muscle, situate at the anterior part of the abdomen, and separated from that of the opposite side by the linea alba. It is attached, above, to the cartilages of the last three true ribs; and, below, to the pubis by a very strong tendon, the outer edge of which is continuous with the fascia transversalis. This muscle is enclosed in an aponeurotic sheath; and, in its course, has three or four transverse aponeurotic intersections. It bends the chest on the pelvis, and conversely.
By Robley Dunglison
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