List of anatomical lines

Axillary lines.

Vertical lines: Midline, lateral sternal line, parasternal line and midclavicular line. Horizontal lines: Level of the sternal angle, and zipho-sternal line.

Anatomical "lines", or "reference lines," are theoretical lines drawn through anatomical structures and are used to describe anatomical location. The following reference lines are identified in Terminologia Anatomica:

• Anterior median line
• Lateral sternal line: A vertical line corresponding to the lateral margin of the sternum.
• Parasternal line: A vertical line equidistant from the sternal and mid-clavicular lines.
• Mid-clavicular line: A vertical line passing through the midpoint of the clavicle.
• Mammillary line
• Anterior axillary line: A vertical line on the anterior torso marked by the anterior axillary fold.
• Midaxillary line: A vertical line passing through the apex of the axilla.
• Posterior axillary line: A vertical line passing through the posterior axillary fold.
• Scapular line: A vertical line passing through the inferior angle of the scapula.
• Paravertebral line: A vertical line corresponding to the tips of the transverse processes of the vertebrae.
• Posterior median line

Other anatomical lines include:

• Mid-pupillary line: A line running vertically down the face through the midpoint of the pupil when looking directly forward.
• Mid-inguinal point: A point midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis.
• Intercristal line: A transverse line passing across the lumbar spine between the superior aspects of the iliac crests.
• Mid-dorsal line: The intersection between the dorsal skin and the median plane.
• Mid-ventral line: The intersection between the ventral skin and the median plane.

See also

• Axillary lines
• Anatomical plane