Rectus sheath
contents
Superior + inferior epigastric vessels
Posterior intercostal nerves (T7-11)
T12 neurovascular bundles
Rectus abdominis
Pyramidalis muscle
composition
aponeurosis of external oblique
aponeurosis of internal oblique
aponeurosis of tranversus abdominis
arcuate line
Below arcuate line, all the aponeuroses lie anterior to rectus abdominis
therefore rectus abdominis is in direct contact with transversalis fascia
forms part of pelvic brim
regional anaesthesia
rectus sheath blocks
indication: analgesia after surgery with midline incision
aiming for posterior wall of rectus sheath - otherwise LA may only spread to one of the 'six packs'