Tranversus Abdominis

General information

The transversus abdominis is a broad muscular sheet situated on both the lateral sides of the abdominal wall. This muscle, along with the external abdominal oblique and the internal abdominal oblique, make up the lateral abdominal muscles. Further, this muscle comprises the anterolateral abdominal wall, along with the rectus abdominis and pyramidalis.

Literal meaning

The crosswise muscle of the belly.

Interesting information

This muscle fibres’ have a transverse orientation and sit perpendicular to the linea alba. In order to maintain normal abdominal tension this muscle works the other abdominal muscles as well as playing an important role in increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

Origin

Internal surfaces of costal cartilages of ribs 7-12, thoracolumbar fascia, anterior two thirds of iliac crest, iliopectineal arch.

Insertion

Linea alba, aponeurosis of internal abdominal oblique muscle; pubic crest, pectineal line of pubis.

Function

Bilateral contraction - Compresses abdominal viscera, expiration.

Unilateral contraction - Trunk rotation (ipsilateral).

Nerve supply

Intercostal nerves (T7-T11), subcostal nerve (T12), iliohypogastric nerve (L1), ilioinguinal nerve (L1).

Blood supply

Lower posterior intercostal and subcostal arteries, superior and inferior epigastric arteries, superficial and deep circumflex arteries, posterior lumbar arteries.

Tranversus Abdominis

Relevant research

A randomised trial found that in patients with an inguinal hernia, a transversus abdominis block is effective for pain control when the hernia is being repaired under general anaesthesia.

Theodoraki, K., Papacharalampous, P., Tsaroucha, A., Vezakis, A., & Argyra, E. (2019). The effect of transversus abdominis plane block on acute and chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair. A randomized controlled trial. International journal of surgery (London, England), 63, 63–70.