[TA] muscle of ventral abdominal wall, flanking the linea alba, and characterized by tendinous intersections separating its length into multiple bellies; origin, crest and symphysis of the pubis; insertion, xiphoid process and fifth to seventh costal cartilages; action, flexes lumbar vertebral column, draws thorax downward toward pubis; nerve supply, thoracoabdominal nerves. SYN: musculus rectus abdominis [TA], rectus muscle of abdomen.