Introduction to the Functional Lines. Note: this collection contains dissection imagery that may not be suitable for all viewers. Discretion advised. The Functional Lines extend the Arm Lines across the surface of the trunk to the contralateral pelvis and leg (or up from the leg to the pelvis across to the opposite rib cage, shoulder, and arm, since our meridians transfer force in either direction). One of these lines runs across the front of the body, one across the back, so that the right and left lines together form and 'X' across the torso. A third line in this group, the Ipsilateral Functional Line, runs from the shoulder to the inside of the same knee. These lines are called the 'functional' lines to emphasize that they are rarely employed, as the other lines are, in modulating standing posture. They immediately come into play during athletic or other activity where one appendicular complex is stabilized, counterbalanced, or powered by its contralateral complement. An example is in a javelin throw or a baseball pitch where the play powers up through the left leg and hip to impact extra speed to an object throw from the right hand.