Which stabilization core muscle is located on the lateral abdominal wall?

• A. Internal obliques
• B. External obliques
• C. Transverse abdominis
• D. Diaphragm

Answer: (B)

Stability on the sides of the trunk comes from muscles that form the lateral wall of the abdomen. The external oblique sits right on the outer side of the abdomen, running across the lower ribs down to the pelvis. Its position on the lateral wall makes it the primary muscle that provides stabilization there, helping to compress the abdomen and support the spine during many movements while also assisting with rotation and lateral bending of the torso. The internal oblique is deeper and also contributes to stability, but not as the surface lateral-wall muscle. The transverse abdominis wraps around the abdomen like a corset and is a deep stabilizer, not primarily a lateral wall muscle. The diaphragm is a separate muscle that sits above the abdomen, not part of the lateral abdominal wall.