Core of Body The body's core muscles are the foundation for all other movement. The muscles of the torso stabilize the spine and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. These core muscles lie deep within the torso. They generally attach to the spine, pelvis and muscles that support the scapula.

When these muscles contract, we stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulders and create a solid base of support. We are then able to generate powerful movements of the extremities. Many people will naturally have an imbalance between the strength of their abdominal muscles and the lower back muscles.

Origin – the muscular attachment on the non-moving bone Insertion – the muscular attachment on the moving bone All muscles are controlled by nerves [innervation] All muscles have a good blood supply

PIRIFORMIS from Latin piriformis = "pear shaped") flat muscle, pyramidal in shape, lying almost parallel with the posterior margin of the Gluteus medius Origin: anterior sacrum Insertion: superior border of the greater trochanter of femur Laterally rotates and abducts thigh @ hip jt

Sacrum: pelvic surface Sacrum: pelvic surface. (Attachment for Piriformis identified as red outline at bottom right.)

"Barry Bonds still has not responded to rumors of steroid use "Barry Bonds still has not responded to rumors of steroid use..." April 2004