The oblique muscle refers to two abdominal muscles - the external and internal obliques. 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. The oblique muscles connect the ribs, top of the hip bone, fascia of the abdominals, and lower back. 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 to support the body and they help to force exhaled air out of the lungs. They also provide stability to the ribcage and pelvis, assist in side bending the body, rotate the trunk, and assist in flexing the trunk forward. 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. Exercises such as side bending, rotation, and trunk flexion (which include exercises such as sit-ups) can strengthen the oblique muscles.