Bony landmark · Thigh

Linea aspera

Linea aspera

The linea aspera is the rough vertical ridge running down the back of the thigh bone. It is the only part of an otherwise smooth shaft that is roughened, and it is roughened because so much attaches to it. The adductor longus, brevis and magnus insert along it from the pelvis, the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis take origin from its two lips, and the short head of the biceps femoris arises from it as well. It is effectively the seam where the front, inner and back compartments of the thigh meet.