Transversus abdominus

Functional Rehab Academy

Muscle origin
Internal surfaces of costal cartilages of 7-12th rib, thoracolumbar fascia, and anterior two thirds of iliac crest, and iliopectineal arch

Muscle insertion
Linea alba. Pubic crest and pectineal line of pubis through aponeurosis of internal abdominal oblique muscle

Muscle function
“Bracing” / compresses abdominal viscera and assisting on forced expiration (bilateral contraction). Trunk rotation (unilateral contraction)

Nerve innervation
T7-L1 (Lovett reactor C5-T4)

Primary muscle type
Tonic / Type I (65-75%)

Myofascial lines
None

Primary inhibatory muscles
Diaphragm both sides, Psoas major both sides, Piriformis,

Organ relationship (T2-L2, Sacrum, n. Vagus)

Lungs (FA)
- Symp – T2-T6 (Pulmonary plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Esophagus (FA)
- Symp – T4-T9 (Esophageal plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Stomach (FA)
- Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Pancreas (FA)
- Symp T5-10 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Liver (FA)
- Symp T5-10 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Gallbladder (FA)
- Symp – T5-T9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Small intestine (FA/AK)
- Symp – T5-12 (Celiac and superior Mesenteric plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Large intestine (FA)
- Symp – T10-L2 (Mesenteric and Hypogastric plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus) and S2-S4 (Sacral plexus)
Kidneys (FA)
- Symp – T10-L2 (Renal plexus)
- Parasymp – None (CX minimal)
Adrenals (FA)
- Symp – T8-L1 (Celiac and Renal plexus)
- Parasymp – None
Reproductive organs (FA)
- Symp – T10-L2 (Inferior Hypogastric, Ovarian and Testicular plexus)
- Parasymp – S2-4 (Sacral plexus)
Spleen (FA)
- Symp – T5-T9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – None (CX minimal)

Lower part

Client is supine with the foot of the test side, placed on the outside of the opposite knee and pelvis rotated the same way, so the the SIAS gets closer to the umbilicus. Stabilize the ribcage with one hand and apply pressure with the other hand on the knee (pushing in the line of the femur bone) – trying to push the pelvis back down on the table.

Upper part

Client is supine with the arms across the body and upper body in an oblique crunch towards the opposite site (bringing the ribcage closer to the umbilicus). Stabilize the hip on the opposite side and apply pressure towards extension on the test side shoulder – trying to bring the upper body back down on the table.

Functional anatomy for