Posterior layer of rectus sheath
Lamina posterior vaginae musculi recti
- Related terms: Posterior layer; Rectus sheath: Posterior layer
Definition
The posterior layer of the rectus sheath varies along the length of the rectus abdominis muscle:
Superior to the arcuate line, the posterior layer is formed by the aponeuroses of the internal oblique muscle and transversus abdominis muscle (the internal oblique aponeurosis splits to envelop the rectus abdominis, contributing to both the anterior and posterior layers, while the transversus abdominis aponeurosis solely contributes to the posterior layer of rectus sheath).
Inferior to the arcuate line, the posterior layer of the rectus sheath is absent. At this level, all three aponeuroses (external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis) pass anterior to the rectus abdominis, leaving only the transversalis fascia and peritoneum posterior to the muscle
References
1.Development of the Rectus Abdominis and Its Sheath in the Human Fetus.Yang JD, Hwang HP, Kim JH, et al.Yonsei Medical Journal. 2012;53(5):1028-35. doi:10.3349/ymj.2012.53.5.1028.
2.The Arcuate Line of the Rectus Sheath--Does It Exist?.Rizk NN.Journal of Anatomy. 1991;175:1-6.
3.Characterisation of Human Posterior Rectus Sheath Reveals Mechanical and Structural Anisotropy.Whitehead-Clarke T, Brown C, Ail G, et al.Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). 2023;106:105989. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.105989.
