Sthenic

Sthenic is a term used in anatomy, anthropology, and clinical medicine to describe a body habitus characterized by a sturdy, well-proportioned build. In older and some contemporary texts it is contrasted with asthenic (slender) and hypersthenic (very broad or heavy-set) forms, placing it on a continuum of body types.

Typically, individuals described as sthenic have a moderate to robust frame, with relatively broad shoulders, a well-developed musculature, and a trunk proportion that is neither extremely long nor short. Height varies widely, but the hallmark is a solid, balanced physique. Lung and heart capacity may be within average ranges, influenced by overall body size and composition.

Clinical relevance: In radiology and surgical planning, body habitus guides technique, imaging parameters, and anesthesia considerations. Sthenic patients are often treated as a standard reference group, with dosages and positioning adjusted for body size. However, habitus is a continuum, and many individuals display mixed features to some degree.

History and terminology: The term derives from Greek and has been used since the 19th and early 20th centuries in anthropometry. Contemporary practice increasingly uses objective measures such as BMI and body composition, though sthenic terminology persists in some radiology, anatomy, and historical texts.

See also: asthenic, hyposthenic, hypersthenic, mesomorph.