Definition

Noun: A flat, broad skeletal muscle located on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen. It is the largest and most superficial of the three lateral abdominal muscles. Its fibers run diagonally downward and inward from the lower ribs to the pelvis and the linea alba.

Usage

This term is used in anatomical, medical, and fitness contexts to refer to a specific muscle of the torso. * The abdominal external oblique muscle is involved in trunk rotation and lateral flexion. * To strengthen the abdominal external oblique muscle, exercises like side crunches are often recommended. * The surgeon carefully dissected down to the abdominal external oblique muscle.

Advanced Usage

• In anatomical description: The term is used to precisely identify the muscle layer, often in contrast to the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles beneath it.
  • The aponeurosis of the abdominal external oblique muscle contributes to the formation of the inguinal canal.
• In common shorthand: In fitness and casual anatomical discussion, it is frequently shortened to "external obliques" or simply "obliques."
  • His well-defined external obliques were visible during the core workout.

Variants and Related Words

• External oblique muscle: The most common shortened form.
• External oblique: A further shortened, very common form.
• Obliquus externus abdominis: The formal Latin anatomical term.
• Obliques: A general colloquial term often referring collectively to the external and internal oblique muscles.

Synonyms

• External oblique (noun)
• Oblique (noun, when context is clear)

Related Phrases

• To engage the obliques: A common fitness instruction meaning to consciously contract these muscles.
  • During the twist, remember to engage the obliques.
• Oblique strain: An injury to this muscle group.
  • The athlete was sidelined with an oblique strain.

Noun

1. a diagonally arranged abdominal muscle on either side of the torso