The body's corset
Transversus abdominis · musculus transversus abdominis
The deepest abdominal muscle, wrapping around your belly like a belt.
What it does
The transversus abdominis runs horizontally around the abdomen from the spine to the midline, like a wide belt. It doesn't bend the trunk. Instead it tightens the abdominal wall, raising pressure inside the belly to brace the spine and push air out.
Surprising fact
It switches on a fraction of a second before you move your arms or legs, bracing your trunk in advance.
Why it matters
Physiotherapists often target this muscle in rehabilitation for lower back pain because it helps stabilise the spine.
Nearby
Read more
Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.