HEALTH & BODY

What is an oblique muscle and where is it located?

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Oblique muscles are abdominal muscles that run diagonally across your sides and help you twist, bend, and bend sideways. There are two types located on each side of your abdomen between your ribs and hips.

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LocationSides of the abdomen, between the ribs and hips
Number of musclesFour total: two external obliques and two internal obliques
DirectionRun diagonally across the torso
Main functionTwisting, bending sideways, and supporting the core
ArrangementExternal obliques run downward, internal obliques run upward

What oblique muscles are

Oblique muscles are part of your core muscles that help you move and stay stable. They are called oblique because they run at an angle across your body rather than straight up and down. You have four oblique muscles total: two external obliques on the outer layer and two internal obliques underneath them.

Location in the body

The external obliques are located on the outer sides of your abdomen, running from your lower ribs down to your pelvis. The internal obliques sit directly underneath the external obliques, also on the sides of your abdomen. Together, they stretch from your sides around toward your front and back, wrapping around your entire torso.

What they do

Oblique muscles help you rotate your trunk, which means twisting your upper body left and right. They also allow you to bend sideways and help you flex forward. These muscles work with other core muscles to support your spine, improve your balance, and help with everyday movements like reaching across your body or looking over your shoulder.

How they work together

The external and internal obliques work in opposite directions. The external obliques run downward and inward like your hands would go into your front pockets, while the internal obliques run upward and inward. When these muscles work together on both sides of your body, they create the twisting and bending movements your body needs.

Exercise and strengthening

You can strengthen your oblique muscles through exercises like side planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches. Strong obliques improve your posture, protect your lower back, and help you perform athletic movements better. Building core strength, including obliques, is important for overall fitness and injury prevention.

Sources

  1. anatomy.org (anatomy.org)
  2. mayoclinic.org (mayoclinic.org)
  3. healthline.com (healthline.com)