Constipation can last from days to months, with interludes of diarrhea or normal bowel function. Stools are often hard and may be described as pellet shaped in at least 25% of bowel movements, or Bristol Stool Form Scale 1-2 (separate hard lumps like nuts that are difficult to pass, or sausage shaped but lumpy).
The external abdominal oblique muscle is the largest and most superficial of the 3 paired, flat abdominal muscles. It arises from the lower 8 ribs and interdigitations of the serratus anterior muscle.
Anterior abdominal aponeuroses [edit]. The anterior abdominal aponeuroses are located just superficial to the rectus abdominis muscle. It has for its borders the external oblique, pectoralis muscles, and the latissimus dorsi.