


Diagrams of the rectus sheath above and below the arcuate line.
Original work of Craig Hacking.
Case Discussion
Above the arcuate line:
the anterior layer of the rectus sheath is composed of the external oblique aponeurosis and the anterior half of the internal oblique aponeurosis
the posterior layer of the rectus sheath is composed of the posterior half of the internal oblique aponeurosis and the transversus abdominis aponeurosis
Below the arcuate line:
the anterior rectus sheath is composed of all the layers of the external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis aponeuroses
the posterior layer of the rectus sheath is absent