Linea alba (abdomen)
Template:More medical citations needed Template:Short description Template:Infobox anatomy
The linea alba (Latin for: white line) is a strong fibrous midline structure<ref name=":02">Template:Cite book</ref> of the anterior abdominal wall<ref name=":0">Template:Cite journal</ref> situated between the two recti abdominis muscles (one on either side). The umbilicus (navel) is present on the linea alba through which foetal umbilical vessels pass before birth.<ref name=":02" /> The linea alba is formed by the union of aponeuroses (of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall<ref name=":0" />) that collectively make up the rectus sheath. The linea alba attaches to the xiphoid process superiorly, and to the pubic symphysis inferiorly. It is narrow inferiorly where the two recti abdominis muscles are in contact with each other posterior to it, and broadens superior-ward from just inferior to the umbilicus.<ref name=":02" />
The name means white line as it is composed mostly of collagen connective tissue, which has a white appearance.Template:Citation needed
In sufficiently muscular individuals, its presence can be seen on the skin, forming the depression between the left and right halves of a "six pack".Template:Citation needed
FunctionEdit
The linea alba stabilizes the anterior abdominal wall, as it balances contractile forces from the muscles attached to it.<ref name=":0" />
Clinical significanceEdit
An abnormal widening of the linea alba is known as diastasis recti.
During pregnancy, the linea alba usually darkens due to hormonal changes whereupon it becomes known as the linea nigra. The linea nigra sometimes also occurs in either sex outside the context of pregnancy.
A median incision through the linea alba is a common surgical approach for abdominal surgery. This is because it consists of mostly connective tissue, and does not contain any primary nerves or blood vessels.Template:Citation needed
Additional imagesEdit
- Gray abdomen front surface en.png
Surface anatomy of the front of the thorax and abdomen.
- Linea alba.jpg
Linea alba
See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Template:NormanAnatomy
- Template:SUNYAnatomyLabs (before removing skin)
- Template:SUNYAnatomyLabs (after removing skin)
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