Oblique line in anatomy refers to a linear ridge or a line present on certain bones of the human body. It serves as a point of attachment for muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and is important for proper movement and stability of the body.
Structure
The oblique line is a linear ridge that can be found on certain bones of the human body. It is formed by the presence of rough and irregularly shaped bony protuberances called tubercles. These tubercles are covered by a thin layer of articular cartilage, which allows for smooth movement and reduces friction between the bones.
It is typically found on bones that bear weight or undergo significant movement, such as the bones of the spine, the pelvis, and the limbs. It is typically located on the posterior or lateral surface of the bone and runs in a diagonal or oblique direction.
Location
The oblique line can be found on various bones of the human body, including:
Spine
The oblique line is present on the lumbar vertebrae, which are the lower vertebrae of the spine. It is located on the posterior surface of the vertebral body and extends from the superior articular process to the inferior articular process.
Pelvis
The oblique line is present on the ilium, which is one of the three bones that make up the pelvis. It is located on the lateral surface of the ilium and extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the posterior superior iliac spine.
Limbs
The oblique line is present on the humerus, which is the bone of the upper arm, and the femur, which is the bone of the upper leg. It is located on the posterior surface of these bones and extends from the greater tubercle to the lesser tubercle.
Function
The oblique line serves as a point of attachment for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These structures are responsible for moving and stabilizing the bones to which the oblique line is attached.
In the spine, the oblique line serves as an attachment site for the intertransversarii muscles, which are responsible for lateral flexion and rotation of the vertebral column. It also serves as an attachment site for the ligamentum flavum, which helps to support and stabilize the spine.
In the pelvis, the oblique line serves as an attachment site for the gluteus maximus muscle, which is responsible for extending and rotating the hip joint. It also serves as an attachment site for the sacrotuberous ligament, which helps to support and stabilize the pelvis.
In the limbs, the oblique line serves as an attachment site for various muscles that are responsible for movements of the shoulder and hip joints. For example, in the upper arm, the oblique line serves as an attachment site for the rotator cuff muscles, which are responsible for rotating the shoulder joint. In the upper leg, the oblique line serves as an attachment site for the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae muscles, which are responsible for extending and rotating the hip joint.
