Linea alba

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Linea alba

Diagram of sheath of Rectus.

The Obliquus externus abdominis.
Gray's	subject #118 417

The linea alba is a fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen in humans and other vertebrates. The name means white line and the linea alba is indeed white, being composed mostly of shiny white collagen connective tissue.

It is formed by the fusion of the aponeuroses of the abdominal muscles, and it separates the left and right rectus abdominis muscles. In muscular individuals its presence can be seen on the skin, forming the depression between the left and right halves of a "six pack." However this can illustrate the genetic differences common in humans. Many people will not a have a neat 'six pack' as some tendons dont neccessarily follow the traditional path.

Because it consists of only connective tissue, and doesn't contain important nerves or blood vessels, a median incision through the linea alba is a common surgical approach.

[edit] In dentistry

Linea alba is also a term used in dentistry to describe a fibrous, light-colored (often white) band of hyperkeratotic epithelium appearing along the buccal mucosa often at the level of the occlusal plane.