Overview
It is enclosed in the rectus sheath, formed by the aponeuroses of the oblique and transverse abdominal muscles, and is crossed by transverse tendinous intersections.
Origin
First costal cartilage and sternum.
Insertion
Pecten of the pubis, through the prepubic tendon.
Action
Compresses the abdomen and flexes the vertebral column.
Innervation
Ventral branches of the caudal thoracic and cranial lumbar nerves.
Clinical relevance
Ventral midline laparotomy goes through the linea alba, between the two recti. The prepubic tendon can rupture after trauma or in late pregnancy.