The oblique muscle refers to two abdominal muscles, the external and internal obliques, which provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique muscle is one of the outermost abdominal muscles, extending from the lower half of the ribs around and down to the pelvis. Together, the external oblique muscles cover the sides of the abdominal area, being large and sitting on the top surface of the abdomen right below the subcutaneous fat and skin. The internal obliques are underneath the external obliques on each side of the trunk. The oblique muscles control bending physical activities such as bending over, twisting the torso, side bending, and they also assist with breathing. The oblique muscles are important in maintaining abdominal wall tension and support the internal organs. If these muscles are weakened or damaged, the result could be an abdominal hernia where soft tissues underneath the muscles bulge out. The oblique muscles can be strengthened through a variety of activities and motions such as side bending, rotation, and trunk flexion.