Which muscle is NOT listed as an Abdominal Muscle that moves the torso?

Which muscle is NOT listed as an Abdominal Muscle that moves the torso?

• A. Internal Oblique Abdominal
• B. External Oblique Abdominal
• C. Rectus Abdominis
• D. Transverse Abdominis

Answer: (D)

Muscle actions that move the torso come from those that flex, rotate, or bend the spine. The rectus abdominis flexes the spine, bringing the rib cage toward the pelvis. The external and internal obliques assist with rotation and lateral flexion and help stabilize the trunk during movement. The transverse abdominis, however, is a deep stabilizer that wraps around the abdomen to compress the abdominal contents and brace the spine; it does not produce a distinct movement of the torso itself. That stabilizing role is why it is not listed as a muscle that moves the torso.

Muscle actions that move the torso come from those that flex, rotate, or bend the spine. The rectus abdominis flexes the spine, bringing the rib cage toward the pelvis. The external and internal obliques assist with rotation and lateral flexion and help stabilize the trunk during movement. The transverse abdominis, however, is a deep stabilizer that wraps around the abdomen to compress the abdominal contents and brace the spine; it does not produce a distinct movement of the torso itself. That stabilizing role is why it is not listed as a muscle that moves the torso.