Answer: The orientation of the muscles in the abdominal wall is important to enclose and protect abdominal contents.
Explanation: The anterolateral musculoaponeurotic walls are suspended between and supported by two bony rings; thoracic skeleton superiorly and pelvic girdle inferiorly, which are linked by a semirigid lumbar vertebral column in the posterior abdominal wall. This orientation enables the abdomen to enclose and protect abdominal contents while providing the flexibility required by posture, locomotion and respiration.