during a cesarean section a transverse incision is made through the abdominal wall. Name the muscles incised and state teir functions
During a Cesarean section, a transverse incision is made through the abdominal wall, typically at the level of the lower abdomen, just above the pubic hairline. The muscles that are incised in this procedure are:
1. Rectus Abdominis: This is a paired muscle that runs vertically along each side of the midline of the abdomen. Its main function is to flex the trunk, compress the abdominal contents, and stabilize the pelvis.
2. External Oblique: This is the largest and most superficial muscle of the abdomen. It runs diagonally, starting from the lower ribs and going down toward the groin area. The external oblique helps with trunk flexion, rotation, and lateral bending.
3. Internal Oblique: The internal oblique lies underneath the external oblique and runs in the opposite direction, crossing diagonally from the groin area up towards the lower ribs. It has similar functions to the external oblique, assisting with trunk flexion, rotation, and lateral bending.
4. Transversus Abdominis: This is the deepest layer of the abdominal muscles and provides support and stability to the trunk. It runs horizontally across the abdomen and is responsible for compressing the abdominal contents and maintaining abdominal pressure.
During a Cesarean section, these muscles need to be carefully incised to access the uterus for delivery of the baby. However, it is important to note that the muscles are not completely severed; instead, they are typically separated along the natural lines of the muscle fibers, in order to minimize damage and facilitate healing after the procedure.