External Oblique

Written by Aren Mnatzakanian

Last updated April 8, 2024 • 5 Revisions •

The external oblique is a muscle of the anterior abdominal wall. It is the largest and most superficial of the flat abdominal wall muscles.

  • Attachments: Originates from ribs 5-12 and inserts onto the iliac crest and pubic tubercle.
  • Actions: Flexion and contralateral rotation of the torso.
  • Innervation: Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7-T11) and subcostal nerve (T12).
  • Blood supply: Lower posterior intercostal arteries, subcostal artery, deep circumflex iliac artery.

    Fig 1
    Lateral view of the abdominal wall. The external oblique and its aponeurotic fibres are visible.

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