Rectus sheath

Rectus Sheath is a fibrous sheath formed by the aponeuroses of the abdominal muscles. It contains the rectus abdominis and pyramidalis muscles. The sheath is divided into an anterior and posterior wall.

Anatomy

The anterior wall of the rectus sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of the external oblique and half the internal oblique. The posterior wall is formed by the aponeuroses of the other half of the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis.

The linea alba is a midline tendinous seam in the abdomen, stretching from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. It is formed by the fusion of the aponeuroses of the abdominal muscles, and separates the left and right rectus abdominis muscles.

Clinical Significance

The rectus sheath is clinically significant in several ways. It is often involved in hernia repairs, and is a potential site for abdominal wall abscesses. It can also be involved in rectus sheath hematoma, a condition characterized by bleeding into the sheath, which can be caused by trauma or anticoagulation therapy.

See Also

• Abdominal wall
• Linea alba
• Rectus abdominis muscle
• Pyramidalis muscle

References

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