The rectus abdominis is a long, flat, vertical muscle located along the front of the abdomen. It is wide and thin at its point of origin along the crest of the pubic bone (pelvis) and tapers below to insert in the ~cartilage~ of the fifth, sixth, and seventh |ribs|. This muscle is used when you bend forward. It also tenses the |abdominal wall| and aids in compressing the contents of the abdomen. The muscle is enclosed in a sheath of ~fascia~ that holds it in position, but does not restrict its movement during its |contractions|.
