Tendinous Inscriptions in the Rectus Abdominis

[wushufanatic]

I had a person ask me a question the other day that stumped me and I have not been able to find a good answer (perhaps there is none).

Regarding the rectus abdominis, what is the function of the tendinous inscriptions and linea alba? For example, why did we not develop in such a way that the fibers run the whole length of the muscle?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[wushufanatic]

Just thought I would refresh this question to see if anyone knows the answer to this question. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Novis78]

Taking a stab at it –

Since the abdominal muscle mainly stabilize the body – I’d assume that the endinous inscriptions and linea alba play a role in this function. They join the muscle to the bone right – namely the ribcage there by holding the muscle in place?

Since evolution would favor the minimal recourses required to do this job satisfactorily, one can assume that how we find them today is that result.

(probably one of numerous possible results determined by genetic drift and or the presence/availably of particular random mutations).

Hope this idea helps.

[Author]

Posts