Linea alba

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 11 Apr 2019

The linea alba (Latin for white line) is a single midline fibrous line in the anterior abdominal wall formed by the median fusion of the layers of the rectus sheath medial to the bilateral rectus abdominis muscles. It attaches to the xiphoid process of the sternum and the pubic symphysis. The umbilicus passes through the linea alba.

Paraumbilical herniae can occur through the linea alba.

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