The abdominal muscles, often referred to as the “abs”, are primarily composed of the rectus abdominis. This muscle runs vertically down the front of the abdomen, and it’s what most people are referring to when they talk about “six-pack” or “eight-pack” abs. The natural divisions or “lines” you see on toned and lean individuals are called tendinous inscriptions. These give the rectus abdominis its segmented appearance.
For most people, the rectus abdominis has three pairs of these tendinous inscriptions, which results in the classic six-pack look when well-defined. Some individuals, due to genetics, might have four pairs, leading to an eight-pack.
The notion of a “ten-pack” is not standard in anatomy. However, there might be a few exceptionally rare individuals with an extra pair of tendinous inscriptions, or some might be counting the muscles just below the rectus abdominis, known as the serratus anterior, as part of their “pack count.”
It’s crucial to note that while genetics play a significant role in the placement and number of these inscriptions, the visibility of the abs is heavily dependent on body fat percentage. Even someone with potential for an eight-pack won’t show it if there’s a layer of fat covering the muscles. To achieve visible abs, one must reduce body fat through a combination of proper diet, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training.
So, to answer your question: While the concept of “ten pack abs” isn’t standard, the most common configurations are six or eight packs. The appearance of these muscles largely depends on genetics for their layout and lifestyle choices for their visibility. Regardless of your genetic predisposition, achieving a toned and lean midsection requires dedication to fitness and nutrition.