Linea aspera

For the band, see Linea Aspera (band).
Linea aspera

Right femur. Posterior surface. (Linea aspera not labeled, but region is visible. Medial lip is at left; lateral lip is at right.)
Details
Identifiers
Latin linea aspera
Dorlands
/Elsevier
l_10/12496065
TA A02.5.04.013
FMA 43715

Anatomical terms of bone

The linea aspera (Latin: rough line) is a ridge of roughened surface on the posterior surface of the femur, to which are attached muscles and intermuscular septum.

Its margins diverge above and below.

The linea aspera is a prominent longitudinal ridge or crest, on the middle third of the bone, presenting a medial and a lateral lip, and a narrow rough, intermediate line. It is an important insertion point for the adductors and the intermuscular septa that divides the thigh into three compartments. The tension generated by muscle attached to the bones is responsible for the formation of the ridges.

Structure

Above

Above, the linea aspera is prolonged by three ridges.

Below

Below, the linea aspera is prolonged into two ridges, enclosing between them a triangular area, the popliteal surface, upon which the popliteal artery rests.

Development

The tension generated by muscle attached to the bones is responsible for the formation of the ridges.

Function

A number of muscles attach to the linea aspera:

The linea aspera is perforated a little below its center by the nutrient canal, which is directed obliquely upward.

Additional images

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

    External links

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