What is a torso?

Introduction To The Torso

The torso is an integral part of the human body, comprising of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. It connects the neck and head to the arms, legs, and other parts of the body. It acts as a point of gravity for the body, as it is the largest part of the body and bears the brunt of the body’s weight. The torso plays an important role in posture and movement. It is essential to a healthy body and functioning of the organs within it.

The Parts Of The Torso

The torso is divided into three main areas; the chest, abdomen and pelvis. The chest region houses the chest cavity and its contents, the lungs, heart, and other organs. The abdominal region houses the abdominal cavity, which contains the majority of the digestive system’s organs, as well as the bladder and uterus in women. The pelvic region contains the pelvic cavity and its contents, the rectum, bladder, and other organs.

Bones Of The Torso

The skeleton of the torso is made up of several layers of bones. The major bones all join together to form the ribcage. This includes the 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum, the clavicles and the scapulae. The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, including the 7 cervical vertebrae which form the neck region, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The sacrum, coccyx and hips also form part of the torso.

Muscles Of The Torso

The torso contains a plethora of muscles which allow us to move and use our body. The major muscles groups are the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis, which are responsible for movement, posture and support. Other smaller muscles, such as the rhomboids, rotator cuff muscles and the diaphragm, work together to ensure stability and strength.

Conclusion

The torso is the largest part of the human body and is made up of three main parts; the chest, abdomen and pelvis. It houses the chest and abdominal cavities and contains a plethora of bones and muscles which enable us to move and use our body. It also functions as a point of gravity for the body and is essential for a healthy functioning body.