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Lateral line

Consists of the following muscles and connective tissues

Splenius capitis / sternocleidomastoideus
External and internal intercostals
Lateral oblique
Gluteus maximus
Tensor fascia latae
Iliotibial tract/abductors
Anterior ligament of head of fibula
Peroneal muscles

Additional functional muscles supporting the lateral line (not fascially connected)

Quadratus lumborum
- Strong lateral flexor of the spine
Scaleni
- Stabilizes the head in lateral flexion

Attaches To The Following Bones

Processus mastoideus, occipital ridge
1st and 2nd ribs
Ribs
Crista iliaca, Spina iliaca anterior superior and spina iliaca posterior superior
Lateral condyle of tibia
Caput fibula
Base of 1st and 5th metatarsal bones

Function Of Line

Balances the front and back posturally
Balances left and right posturally
Fixes the trunk and legs in a coordinated manner to prevent buckling of structures during any activity with the arms
Creates a lateral bend in the body
Stabilizes the body during lateral and rotational movements of the trunk

Compensation Patterns Associated With The Line

Ankle pronation or supination
Ankle dorsiflexion limitation
Genu varus or valgus
Adduction restriction/chronic abductor contraction
Lumbar side-bend or lumbar compression
Rib cage shift on pelvis
Shortening of depth between sternum and sacrum
Shoulder restriction due to over-involvement with head stability

Clinical considerations

When the dynamic stability of the head via the sternocleidomastoideus and splenius capitis fails, the levator scapula or trapezius starts supporting the system to maintain balance
Restrictions within the lateral line towards the opposite side is usually restricted from the ipsilateral side. In other words, restriction in lateral flexion to the right is limited by the lateral line on the left side of the body