What muscle is the vertical line in the middle of the belly

There is a vertical line in the middle of the abdomen, usually the abdominal white line, formed by the interweaving of the aponeurosis of the rectus abdominis muscles on both sides at the midline. The presence of the abdominal white line is related to factors such as rectus abdominis separation, body fat distribution, pregnancy factors, congenital development, and exercise intensity.

1. Separation of rectus abdominis muscle

Pregnancy or obesity may cause the rectus abdominis muscle to separate to both sides, making the abdominal white line more prominent. This condition is more common in postpartum women, usually manifested as a depression or bulge in the midline of the abdomen. Mild separation can be improved through core muscle training, and in severe cases, medical intervention is required.

2. Body fat distribution

When the body fat percentage is low, the abdominal white line is visually more prominent due to the reduction of surface fat. Fitness enthusiasts often observe this phenomenon during the weight loss period, which is a normal physiological manifestation. Maintaining a balanced diet and moderate aerobic exercise can help maintain healthy body fat levels.

3. Pregnancy factors

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the abdominal white line to relax and widen, and some pregnant women may experience pigmentation to form the midline of pregnancy. Most cases will naturally fade between 6-12 months postpartum, but with abdominal massage and vitamin E care, recovery can be accelerated.

4. The anatomical differences in the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle in individuals with congenital development

may lead to varying widths of the abdominal white line, which does not affect health. A small number of congenital abnormalities in abdominal wall development require differential diagnosis through ultrasound examination.

5. Exercise intensity

High intensity core training can enhance rectus abdominis muscle tension, indirectly affecting the degree of visualization of the abdominal white line. It is recommended to pay attention to the standardization of movements such as plank support and abdominal curling, in order to avoid muscle compensation caused by overtraining.

In daily life, low-intensity movements such as supine leg lifting and abdominal breathing can be used to strengthen the transverse abdominal muscles and reduce abdominal pressure. If accompanied by pain, protrusion, or abnormal depression, pathological conditions such as umbilical hernia and rectus abdominis muscle separation should be investigated. Maintaining regular exercise habits and protein intake can help maintain a healthy abdominal wall structure and avoid sudden abdominal training that exceeds the body's load.