Anatomy of the Abdominal Wall

The abdominal wall encompasses the trunk, encircled superiorly by the thoracic cage and inferiorly by the pelvic girdle, and although continuous, it is subdivided into the anterior, posterior and lateral walls.

Kinematic and kinetic understanding of the trunk as to the spine, abdominal and back muscles, diaphragm and pelvic floor complex is imperative for an adequate application of core conditioning and trunk stabilization training.

This presentation will review the anatomy of the abdominal wall, back muscles and the pelvic floor complex, and will elaborate further on the relationship between the intrinsic and global muscle systems contributing to the stabilization of the trunk.