Rectus sheath

The rectus sheath (Latin vagina musculi recti abdominis ) is the envelope formed by the tendons of the muscles plates the anterior abdominal wall to the rectus abdominis. We distinguish between the rectus sheath front wall (lamina anterior) and posterior wall (lamina posterior), the posterior lamina only from the breastbone ( sternum ) to a few inches below the belly button exists, the anterior lamina contrast to the pubis enough. The point at which no more rear wall exists is called the arcuate line; from this, the front wall of all three aponeuroses is formed. The arcuate line is about 3-5 inches below the navel.

At the formation of the two leaves of the rectus sheath above the arcuate line following Muskelaponeurosen are involved (from outside to inside):

• Outer leaf: Musculus obliquus externus abdominis: Involved in the front wall, are but after crossing the linea alba and fibers in the contralateral posterior wall from
• Musculus obliquus internus abdominis: forms both a part of the front wall ( anterior lamina ) and the posterior wall (lamina posterior), in which the aponeurosis lateral to the rectus abdominis splits into an anterior and posterior part

• Musculus transversus abdominis: Involved in the posterior wall, but are analogous to the external oblique fibers in the front wall from
• Transversalis fascia
• Parietal peritoneum

Below the arcuate line, the rectus sheath is formed as follows (from outside to inside):

• Outer leaf: Musculus obliquus externus abdominis
• Musculus obliquus internus abdominis
• Musculus transversus abdominis

• Transversalis fascia
• Parietal peritoneum