Abdominal wall muscles and hernias

In this talk, the focus is abdominal wall muscles and hernias, supported by coverage of the structure and function of the abdominal wall muscles, their roles in movement, posture, and respiration, and how they contribute to core stability. We will examine the nerve supply essential for muscle coordination and discuss how weaknesses in the abdominal wall can lead to hernias, including their common types and risk factors. Additionally, we will review clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options for hernias, highlighting the balance between muscle strengthening and underlying anatomical predispositions. Today, we're exploring the anatomy and function of the abdominal wall muscles and their relationship to hernia formation. The abdominal wall, composed of muscle and connective tissue, protects and supports the abdominal organs. The main muscles include the rectus abdominis at the front, the external and internal obliques at the sides, and the deeply situated transversus abdominis. Their arrangement is key to movement, posture, and conditions such as hernias. Each abdominal wall muscle has a distinct orientation and role. Rectus abdominis runs vertically for trunk flexion, such as bending forward or doing a sit up. External and internal obliques run in opposite diagonal directions, enabling trunk rotation, lateral flexion, and assisting with abdominal compression. Transversus abdominis runs horizontally, compressing abdominal contents. Together, these muscles stabilize the trunk, maintain posture, and assist with forced respiration.