rectus

Linear anatomical muscle

Rectus is an anatomical term for a straight muscle, from the Latin for "straight." Several muscles bear this name: the rectus abdominis runs vertically along the front of the abdomen (the "six-pack" muscle), while rectus muscles of the eye control eyeball movement.

The plural is recti: The lateral recti move the eyes outward.

anatomy

abdominis

Of the belly

oculiRound architectural apertures
abdominalOf the belly region
muscleContractile body tissue

abdomen · six-pack · transversus · obliques · diastasis · fascia · tendinous · sheath · insertion · origin

etymology

straight

Not curved or crooked

uprightVertical or morally sound
linearArranged in straight succession
alignedArranged in proper position

perpendicular · Latin · right · proper · unbent · vertical · plumb · true · direction · rector

exercise

crunches

Abdominal flexion exercises

sit-upsAbdominal strengthening movements
planksFlat construction lumber pieces
leg raisesLower body elevations

core · abs · abdominals · stability · toning · conditioning · strength · pilates · yoga · isometrics

Categories

anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
musclesmuscle, biceps, triceps, abs, hamstrings
torsoabdomen, belly, midsection, trunk, core
core exercisescrunches, crunch, sit-up, sit-ups, planks

Opposites

muscle fiber orientation/direction

Angled, not straightforward

transverse · transversus · circular · sphincter · pennate

latin directional meaning (straight vs. curved/angled)

Angled, not straightforward

curved · bent · crooked · angled · sinuous

Phrases

rounded rectangle
digital rectal examManual internal pelvic assessment
moral rectitudeAdherence to ethical principles
rectal thermometerDevice measuring body heat internally
rectal cancerTumor in the rectum
rectal bleedingBlood from the anus

Family

direct, correct, indirect, erect, rectangle, rectify, rectitude, rectal, rectification

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