Underkropp

Underkropp is a term used in Norwegian Bokmål and Swedish, and in broader Scandinavian contexts, to refer to the lower portion of the human body. It is a compound of under (below) and kropp (body). In everyday language it is often contrasted with overkropp, which denotes the upper body.

In practical usage, the underkropp covers the lower trunk and the lower limbs. This generally includes the pelvis and hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and feet. The term focuses on the regions involved in standing, walking, running, and other weight-bearing movements, and it excludes the head, neck, and upper torso.

Anatomically, the underkropp comprises bones such as the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, and the bones of the feet, as well as joints including the hip, knee, and ankle. Muscles commonly associated with the area include the gluteal group, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and many smaller stabilizing muscles. Nerve and vascular structures run along the limbs and pelvis, supporting movement and sensation.

In fitness and sports contexts, underkropp is a focus of training programs that aim to improve strength, mobility, and stability of the lower body. Common exercises include squats, lunges, deadlifts, leg presses, and calf raises. In medical or rehabilitation settings, attention to the underkropp is important for treating injuries to the hips, knees, ankles, or surrounding tissues, and for improving gait and functional performance.