10. The Deep Front Line

     The Deep Front Line is the body's myofascial core, as it defines the deep three-dimensional space deep within the body.  It's main postural function is providing support and lift in the inner arch of the foot, stabilizing both segments of each leg, as well as the hips, supporting the lumbar spine from the front, giving shape to the abdominopelvic balloon, stabilizing the chest while allowing the expansion and relaxation of breathing, and balancing the neck and head. 
     If this line is lacking definition, strength, and/or proper balance, there is an overall shortening throughout the body, which encourages collapse of the pelvic and spinal core, laying the groundwork for postural deviations in all the other meridians.

The Deep Front Line can be broken down into six parts:

Lowest Common
Lower Posterior
Lower Anterior

Upper Posterior
Upper Middle
Upper Anterior

So, I've broken down each list below accordingly.

Muscles of the DFL:

 

Lowest Common:

Tibialis posterior
Long toe flexor

Lower Posterior:

Adductor magnus and minimus
Lower Anterior:
Adductor brevis and longus

Psoas

Iliacus

Pectineus
Femoral triangle
Upper Posterior:

Longus colli and cavities
Upper Middle:
Posterior diaphragm

Pericardium

Mediastinum

Scalene muscles

Upper Anterior:

Anterior diaphragm

Transversus thoracis
Infrahyoid muscles

Suprahyoid muscles

 

 

Connective tissues of the DFL:

Lowest Common:
Fasciae of popliteus
Knee capsule
Lower Posterior:
Posterior intermuscular septum
Pelvis floor fascia
Levator ani
Obturator internus fascia
Anterior sacral fasciae
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Lower Anterior:
Medial intermuscular septum
Upper Posterior:
Anterior longitudal ligament
Upper Middle:
Crura of the diaphragm
Central tendon
Parietal pleura
Fascia prevertebralis
Pharyngeal raphe
Medial scalene fascia
Upper Anterior:
Fascia endothoracica
Fascia pretrachialis

Bony landmarks of the DFL:

Lowest Common:
Plantar tarsal bones
Plantar surface of toes
Superior/posterior tibia/fibula
Medial femoral epicondyle
Lower Posterior:
Medial femoral epicondyle
Ischial ramus
Coccyx
Lumbar vertebral bodies
Lower Anterior:
Medial femoral epicondyle
Linea aspera of femur
Lesser trochanter of femur
Lumbar vertebral bodies and transverse processes
Upper Posterior:
Lumbar vertebral bodies
Basilar portion of occiput
Upper Middle:
Lumbar vertebral bodies
Basilar portion of occiput
Cervical transverse processes
Upper Anterior:
Lumbar vertebral bodies
Posterior surface of subtotal
Cartilage
Xiphoid process
Posterior manubrium
Hyoid bone
Mandible

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Pilates is a great way to engage this line properly, therefore setting the foundation for all the other lines to function at their best.

 

Here's a great video that shows a lunge stretch for the DFL:

 

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And that's it!

We've covered the entire series of myofascial meridian from Thomas Myers' Anatomy Trains - which you can purchase here for a more in depth understanding of these lines!

 

I'll be back the week of the 22nd with a new topic and great tips on pain relief and healthy living.

 

Be good to yourselves. <3