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Mnemonic

Arcuate Line Versus Arcuate Ligaments

A memory aid for distinguishing the similarly named arcuate structures of the abdomen.

Anatomy Abdomen
Expansion

The arcuate line is in the rectus sheath; the arcuate ligaments are on the diaphragm

Expansion

Three unrelated structures share the name:

  • Arcuate line of the rectus sheath - the curved lower limit of the posterior rectus sheath, midway between umbilicus and pubic symphysis. Below it, all three aponeuroses pass in front of rectus abdominis
  • Arcuate ligaments of the diaphragm - the median (over the aorta at T12), medial (over psoas major) and lateral (over quadratus lumborum)
  • Arcuate line of the ilium - part of the pelvic brim, marking the boundary between the greater and lesser pelvis

Keeping them apart is easiest by region: wall, diaphragm, pelvis.

A similar trap is median versus medial: the median umbilical ligament is the single midline urachal remnant, while the medial umbilical ligaments are the paired obliterated umbilical arteries. Median always means midline and single.