Shape of the abdominal wall

Fig. 1: Normal state

Fig. 2: Increase of subcutaneous fat tissue of the abdominal wall tends to enlarge the lower part of the abdomen.

Fig. 3: Increase of intra-abdominal fat issue enlarges predominately its central part.

Fig. 4: Ventral inclination leads to the protrusion of the abdominal wall.

Fig. 5: Expiration and backwards shifting of the lumbar vertebrae move the abdominal content ventrally.

Fig. 6: Inspiration and forward shifting of the lumbar vertebrae move the abdominal wall towards the thoracic cavity.