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Fun Fact: Linea Semilunaris

Anatomy Def: Lineae semilunares (pl.) are a pair of curved tendinous lines of the anterior abdominal wall; one on the left and one on the right, each traces the outer margin of its respective rectus abdominis muscle. 

Outlander Def: Jamie’s right belly line is taut, taut, taut as he gazes upon his beloved (red arrows in image) – it’s been a verra looooong time since I’ve seen ye, Sassenach!!! <G>

Learn about linea semilunaris in Anatomy Lesson 16, Jamie’s Belly or Scottish Six-Pack!

Linea semilunaris is a line where flat tendons of three abdominal muscles (external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis) of one side meet the tendinous sheath enveloping the rectus abdominis muscle of the same side. Wow, what a mouth full!  Understand these lines are strong and fibrous.

Also, lineae semilunares are curve. Why? Because each line runs from 9th rib to pubic tubercle (attachment site). Because our 9th ribs are further apart and our pubic tubercles are closer together, each line assumes a curved shape, hence the name meaning “curved or half-moon.” Early anatomists were very poetic folk!

Although we all have a pair of linea semilunaris, the skin grooves overlying these lines are generally visible only in the fit and lean.  Jamie meets this criteria, and voilà, we see the excellent skin groove overlying his right linea semilunaris! He has a left one, too. Got it? Super-duper!

Fun Fact: Linea semilunaris has yet a third name, the spigelian line. Why? Well,  a hernia may develop among the fibrous layers of linea semilunaris and since this hernia was first described in the 1600s by Brussels anatomist- surgeon Adriaan van den Spiegel, the award goes to Spiegel!

Fortunately, spegelian hernias are small and rare, but also dangerous. If bowel works its way between the tight , fibrous layers of linea semilunaris, it may strangulate (lose its blood supply), creating a medical emergency! Interestingly, for unknown reasons, most spigelian hernias occur on the right side between the 4th and 7th decades of life. Yikes!

Read about Jamie’s belly in Voyager book. After 20 years apart, he and Claire hole up in an Edinburgh brothel.  Herself shares Claire’s astute assessment of her beloved:

We fell quiet again, but could not take our eyes away from each other. I looked him over carefully in the strengthening light, comparing memory to reality. A narrow blade of early sun knifed through the shutters’ crack, lighting a lock of hair like polished bronze, gilding the curve of his shoulder, the smooth flat slope of his belly. He seemed slightly larger than I had remembered, and one hell of a lot more immediate.

There was a momentary pause, and then I said, “Do you mean to tell me what you are, or shall I go on running down the disreputable possibilities until I come close?” “Oh, aye?” he said, entertained by this suggestion. “What’s your best guess?” I looked him over carefully. He lay at ease amid the tumbled sheets, one arm behind his head, grinning at me. “Well, I’d bet my shift you’re not a printer,” I said. The grin widened. “Why not?” I poked him rudely in the ribs. “You’re much too fit. Most men in their forties have begun to go soft round the middle, and you haven’t a spare ounce on you.”

See Jamie’s fit belly in Starz, episode 306, A. Malcolm. Nope, NOT a spare ounce. No the belly of a printer!!!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo credits: Sony/Starz

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Fun Fact: Iliopsoas

Anatomy def: Iliopsoas muscles are flexors of the hip joints. Flexion draws together the bones of a joint thereby reducing the angle between them. 

Outlander def: Preferring the Highland Fling dismount, Claire and Jamie contract right iliopsoas muscles to hoist their right legs and skedaddle-from-the-saddle.

Learn about iliopsoas in Anatomy Lesson #7: Jamie’s Thighs – Ode to Joy!

Each iliopsoas is a composite muscle formed of iliacus and psoas. These muscles arise in the abdomen via pelvic bone and lumbar vertebrae, respectively. They descend into the thigh, unite and insert via a common tendon into the femur. 

As they contract, the thigh is raised toward the torso, or with the thigh fixed (held steady), the torso is flexed toward the thigh. We actually have nine hip flexors for each hip joint, but iliopsoas is strongest!

Fun Fact: If one is a proper anatomist (he he), psoas is more accurately termed psoas major.  Why? Because, there is a psoas minor – albeit only 25% of people have one. When present, it’s a pretty dinky muscle. It lies anterior to psoas major and contributes little to hip flexion.

And,  just so you know, the “p” in psoas is silent, so the word is pronounced “soas.”  

Read about thighs in Diana’s first splendid tome, Outlander! Does she mention iliopsoas muscle? No, but she does mention thighs. Woot! 

Claire notices Jamie’s thighs on that wild ride through the night near Cocknammon Rock:

My companion seemed to be having little trouble, in spite of being unable to use his right hand. I could feel his thighs behind mine, shifting and pressing occasionally to guide the horse. I clutched the edge of the short saddle in order to stay seated; I had been on horses before, but was by no means the horseman this Jamie was.

And, later after marriage vows have been made, Jamie recalls his thighs and praises Claire’s bottom <G>:

But then that ride through the dark together….with that lovely broad arse wedged between my thighs…

See Claire do the Highland High Kick in Starz ep. 102, Castle Leoch.  Gentleman Jamie follows suit as he dismounts to aid deceitful Geneva in Starz, ep. 304, Of Lost Things!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo credits: Sony/Starz

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Fun Fact: Latissimus Dorsi Redux

Anatomy def: A pair of broad, fan-shaped back muscles; each wraps around the ipsilateral (same side) of chest and inserts into the upper humerus (arm bone). 

Outlander def: Whew! An amazing muscle mass of Jamie’s left armpit (red arrow). For sure, his right armpit has its own latissimus, but Claire is in the way!  <G>

Latissimi dorsi (pl.) form the rear boundary of each armpit (pec major forms each front boundary). Claire appears to be gazing at his left latissimus – and, who isn’t???

Learn about latissimus dorsi in Anatomy Lesson #19, To Arms, Too Arms, Two Arms! 

Today’s FF is the second covering this muscle. The first Latissimus dorsi posted December 2016, used a side view of latissimus dorsi as it angles from lower thoracic and lumbar spine towards the armpit (Outlander ep 106, The Garrison Commander). This broad muscle mass passes diagonally across the side of chest. So, now we view this important muscle from two vantage points.

Each latissimus dorsi is a powerful mover of its humerus:

  • abducts (draws humerus toward the thorax)
  • extends  (draws humerus backwards)
  • internally rotates  (rolls humerus inwards, towards chest) 

Read about Jamie’s armpit ablutions aboard the Artemus in Voyager book.  This lovely passage is from Jamie’s promises to Claire, once he gets her on land, <G>:

“Well, ye might moan a bit, if ye like, to encourage me, but otherwise, ye just lie still.” 

He didn’t sound as though he needed any encouragement whatever. One of his hands was resting on my thigh as he used the other to swab his chest with the damp towel. As he finished, the hand slid behind me, and squeezed. 

“My beloved’s arm is under me,” I quoted. “And his hand behind my head. Comfort me with apples, and stay me with flagons, For I am sick of love.” 

There was a flash of white teeth in his beard. 

“More like grapefruit,” he said, one hand cupping my behind. “Or possibly gourds. Grapefruit are too small.” 

“Gourds?” I said indignantly. 

“Well, wild gourds get that big sometimes,” he said. “But aye, that’s next.” He squeezed once more, then removed the hand in order to wash the armpit on that side. “I lie upon my back and have ye stretched at length upon me, so that I can get hold of your buttocks and fondle them properly.” He stopped washing to give me a quick example of what he thought proper, and I let out an involuntary gasp.

See Jamie’s left latissimus dorsi resting in his armpit in Starz ep 306, A. Malcolm.

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo Credit: Sony/Starz