Connective tissues

Question 1

Linea Alba

Answer 1

> tendinous raphe formed by interlacing obliques + trans abs
from xiphoid process to pubic symphysis and crest
functions as an attachment site

Question 2

Rectus Sheath

Answer 2

> Multi-layered aponeurosis that encloses the rectus abdominis
Upper 3/4:
- Ant wall = internal and external obliques
- posterior wall = internal oblique + trans abs
Lower 1/4:
- Ant wall = all 3
- posterior wall = absent

Function - protect abdominal muscles + region
- maximise compression + support of organs

*Rectus diastasis = tearing of sheath so that rectus abs split e.g pregnancy

Question 3

Thoracolumbar Fascia

Answer 3

> Large, diamond-shaped region of connective tissue which encloses the intrinsic back muscles
Attaches to
- Spinous + transverse processes of thoracolumbar region
- deep fascia
- median crest of sacrum
3 layers
- Posterior - attaches to spinous process
(post + mid enclose the erector spinae)
- mid - attached to tip of transverse process
(mid + ant enclose the quadratus lumborum)
- anterior - attached to anterior aspect of transverse process
+Psoas sheath - extension of TLF (enclosing Psoas major) attaches to anterior aspect of vertebral body

Attachment site for:

• trans abs, int. oblique = posterior borders
  (ext. oblique has free posterior border)
• trapezius/ latissimus dorsi/ gluteus maximus