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White line of the abdomen
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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The white line of the abdomen (linea alba) is a fibrous plate that extends along the anterior median line from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis. The line is formed by the intersecting fibers of the aponeuroses of the wide abdominal muscles (oblique and transverse) of the right and left sides.
In the upper sections, where the medial edges of the rectus abdominal muscles are at a great distance from each other, the white line is wider (up to 2.5 cm in diameter) than in the lower part. From the level of the navel in the direction of the pubic symphysis, the white line tapers considerably, and its thickness increases in the sagittal plane.
The white line of the abdomen is very strong. It contains only thin branches of blood vessels, therefore, when carrying out the incisions along the white line during the operation, there is almost no bleeding. This is used by surgeons, when it is necessary to create broad access to the organs of the abdominal cavity and pelvis.