ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which muscle is located in the spine and responsible for flexion?

1. Obliques

2. Rectus abdominus

3. Pectoralis minor

4. Erector spinae

The correct answer is: Rectus abdominus

The rectus abdominis is indeed a key muscle responsible for flexion of the spine. This muscle is situated at the front of the abdomen, extending from the pubic bone up to the rib cage. Its primary function is to facilitate the bending of the torso forward, often referred to as spinal flexion. This action is crucial in movements such as sit-ups or bending forward, where the aim is to decrease the angle between the torso and the thighs. While the other muscles listed have important functions, they serve different purposes. For instance, the obliques assist in trunk rotation and lateral flexion but are not the primary muscle for forward flexion. The pectoralis minor, located in the chest, plays a role in movements involving the shoulder girdle and is not involved in spinal flexion. The erector spinae, a group of muscles along the spine, is primarily responsible for extension, helping to keep the spine upright and extend the back rather than facilitating forward bending.