Rectus abdominis muscle

The rectus abdominis muscle (stomach muscle, abs) is a muscle that runs down the front side of the abdomen. It connects the pelvis to several attachments in the chest.

The rectus abdominis originates at the pubic crest of the pelvic bone. It inserts at several areas of the chest: the 5th, 6th, and 7th costal cartilages, the costal margin and xiphoid process on the sternum.