Linea Alba
Original Editor - Lucinda hampton
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The Linea Alba is a fibrous band running vertically the entire length of the center of the anterior abdominal wall, receiving the attachments of the oblique and transverse abdominal muscles.[1]
| Origin | Tip of xiphoid process |
| Insertion | Anterior fibres: pubic symphysis
Posterior fibres: pubic crests on both sides |
| Structure | Formed by aponeuroses of external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis |
| Function | Attachment site for:
- Fundiform ligament of penis - Pyramidalis, internal oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominis muscles - Parietal peritoneum via extraperitoneal connective tissue |
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Paraumbilical herniae can occur through the linea alba. They are usually related to diastasis recti[3]
In pregnancy, as the baby and belly grow and stretch, the linea alba begins to darken and is known as linea nigra (Latin for ‘black line’), actually more brown in color. Linea nigra usually runs from the pubic bone up to your belly button, or higher. Sometimes it continues towards the ribs. During pregnancy, because of increased levels of estrogen, the body produces extra melanin which is responsible for the appearance of the linea nigra[4].
Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The free dictionary Linea Alba Available: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/linea+alba (accessed 19.12.2021)
- ↑ ken Hub Linea Alba Available: https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/linea-alba (accessed 19.12.2021)
- ↑ Radiopedia Linea Alba Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/linea-alba?lang=us(accessed 19.12.2021)
- ↑ Belly belly Linea Nigra | When Does It Appear And Go Away? Available:https://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/linea-nigra-during-pregnancy/ (accessed 19.12.2021)
