arcuate line


ar·cu·ate line

[TA] an arching or bow-shaped line. See: arcuate line of ilium, arcuate line of rectus sheath. Synonym(s): linea arcuata [TA]

arcuate line

1. The lower edge of the iliac fossa of the ilium. The arcuate line is a continuation of the pectineal line of the pubis, and it continues up and back along the ilium to merge with the edge of the sacral ala and then the sacral promontory. The continuous bony ridge, of which the arcuate line is one segment, encircles the pelvic inlet and is called the pelvic brim. 2. In the anterior abdominal wall, below the level of the umbilicus, the lower horizontal edge of the posterior layer of the rectus sheath; (the anterior (superficial) layer of the sheath continues caudally beyond this level.) At this level, the inferior epigastric vessels enter the sheath and run along the underside of the rectus abdominus muscles. See also: line

ar·cu·ate line

(ahrkyū-ăt līn) [TA] An arching or bow-shaped line.