The rectus abdominis is enclosed in the rectus sheath. Its segmental blood supply from the inferior and superior epigastric arteries is the basis for the TRAM and DIEP flaps in breast reconstruction.
| Origin | Pubic crest and pubic symphysis |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Xiphoid process and costal cartilages of ribs 5, 6, 7 |
| Nerve Supply | Ventral rami of T7-T12 |
| Blood Supply | Inferior epigastric artery (dominant) and superior epigastric artery |
| Actions | Flexes the lumbar spine — prime trunk flexor; Depresses the thorax; Increases intra-abdominal pressure |
|---|
TRAM and DIEP flaps use the rectus and its perforating vessels for autologous breast reconstruction. Diastasis recti is repaired by fascial plication. The arcuate line marks where the posterior sheath is absent.
Visible during sit-up manoeuvres — tendinous inscriptions produce the segmented appearance.
Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction preserving the rectus muscle while using its perforating vessels for the largest autologous tissue volume.
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