The Internal Oblique (also known as the internal abdominal oblique) is a broad, thin muscle located on the lateral side of the abdomen. It plays a crucial role as one of the layers forming the lateral abdominal wall.
What is Internal Oblique?
The Internal Oblique is a vital muscle of the anterior and lateral abdominal wall. Its name is derived from its obliquely oriented fibers, which contribute to its function and position within the abdominal structure.
Key Characteristics
This muscle possesses distinct characteristics that define its structure and role:
- Location: Found on the lateral side of the abdomen.
- Shape: It is described as broad and thin.
- Fiber Orientation: Its fibers run in an oblique direction, giving the muscle its name.
Role in the Abdominal Wall
The Internal Oblique is an integral component of the multi-layered lateral abdominal wall. It is positioned between two other significant abdominal muscles:
- External Oblique: Located on the outer side relative to the Internal Oblique.
- Transverse Abdominis: Situated on the inner side relative to the Internal Oblique.
This arrangement means the Internal Oblique forms the middle layer of these three muscles in the lateral abdominal wall.
Layers of the Lateral Abdominal Wall
| Muscle Layer | Position Relative to Internal Oblique | Description |
|---|---|---|
| External Oblique | Outer layer | Superficial to the Internal Oblique |
| Internal Oblique | Middle layer | Situated between the External Oblique and Transverse Abdominis |
| Transverse Abdominis | Inner layer | Deep to the Internal Oblique |
This strategic positioning allows the Internal Oblique to contribute to various movements and stability of the trunk.
