Below the arcuate line of the rectus sheath, which statement about the sheath is correct?

• A All three aponeuroses pass anterior to rectus abdominis, leaving only transversalis fascia posteriorly ✓
• B The posterior wall is reinforced by the conjoint tendon
• C The aponeurosis of transversus abdominis splits to form both anterior and posterior walls
• D The posterior wall receives the aponeurosis of external oblique

Explanation

Above the arcuate line, the internal oblique aponeurosis splits around rectus abdominis and the posterior wall contains internal oblique and transversus aponeuroses. At the arcuate line, roughly midway between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis, all three aponeuroses shift anteriorly, so the posterior wall becomes deficient and only transversalis fascia remains behind the muscle. The conjoint tendon contributes to the posterior inguinal canal wall, not the rectus sheath.

Reference: Moore Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.