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Anatomy
Anatomy
External Oblique
Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
abdominalsobliquesexternal-obliquetrunk-rotationlateral-flexion
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In one line
The largest, most superficial flat abdominal; flexes the trunk and rotates it toward the opposite side.
Detail
The external oblique is the largest and most superficial of the 3 flat abdominal muscles. When both sides work together, trunk flexion occurs. If only one side contracts, the trunk will flex toward the opposite side (i.e., when only the right side contracts, the external oblique twists the trunk to the left). Note the "oblique" arrangement of its fibers.
Key facts
- Largest and most superficial of the 3 flat abdominal muscles.
- Both sides together: trunk flexion.
- One side only: twists the trunk toward the opposite side (right contraction → twist left).
- Oblique fiber arrangement.
Connections
- abdominals — group it belongs to.
- internal-oblique — paired in rotation.
- transverse-abdominis — deeper flat abdominal.
- side-bend / trunk-twist — training exercises.
SourceReference manual
p.348p.764
Cited authorities in source: Ellison (1991).
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Explore related topics
Atlas Connections
Abdominals (Midsection)Closely related
Four muscles — rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transverse abdominis — that flex, rotate, and laterally flex the trunk and compress the abdomen.Internal ObliqueClosely related
A flat abdominal sandwiched between the external obliques and transversus; its fibers run at right angles to the external oblique and it twists the trunk to the same side.Transverse Abdominis
The deepest abdominal muscle; compresses the abdomen, supports the abdominal contents, and aids lower-back stability.Side Bends
Lateral trunk-flexion exercise training the obliques and quadratus lumborum, with erector spinae assisting.Trunk Twists (Rotary Torso)
Seated machine torso rotation (rotary torso) working the obliques and erector spinae; rotates the torso ~40 degrees with hips fixed.