arcuate ligament
n.
A thickening of the fascia of the lumbar quadrate muscle, between the transverse process of the first lumbar vertebra and the twelfth rib on either side, that gives attachment to a portion of the diaphragm; lateral arcuate ligament.
A tendinous thickening of the fascia of the greater psoas muscle that extends from the body of the first lumbar vertebra to its transverse process on either side and from which a portion of the diaphragm arises; medial arcuate ligament.
A tendinous connection between the crura of the diaphragm that arches in front on the aorta; median arcuate ligament.
Nearby words
arcturus, arcuate, arcuate artery, arcuate artery of kidney, arcuate fiber, arcuate ligament, arcuate nuclei, arcuate veins of kidney, arcuate zone, arcuation, arcus
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.