The |external oblique| is a large, thin sheet of muscle that runs along the side of the torso and partly on the front. The muscle is divided into two portions; and upper thoracic portion and a lower flank portion. The thoracic portion is located along the |rib| cage. The individual |ribs| can be seen beneath this muscle when it is relaxed. The lower flank portion is located along the side of the abdomen between the |rib| cage and the |pelvis|. Most of this muscle is concealed by a cushion of fat. The two portions meet at the waist. This muscle is used when you bend forward and twist from side to side.
