torsi

Torsi is the plural form used in languages such as Italian to refer to the trunk of the human body—the central portion that connects the head to the limbs. In English, the equivalent term is torso, with the standard plural torsos; the form torsi appears mainly in linguistic or cross-language contexts.

Anatomy: The torso comprises two major regions: the thorax (chest) and the abdomen, bounded superiorly by the neck and inferiorly by the pelvis, with the diaphragm forming a dividing line between the two. The vertebral column, rib cage, and sternum form the skeletal framework that protects the heart and lungs and supports organs. The abdominal wall and pelvic girdle enclose digestive, urinary, and reproductive organs. Muscles of the torso—such as the pectoralis major and minor, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, obliques, and the erector spinae group—stabilize posture and enable movement.

Function and variation: The torso provides structural support, protects vital organs, and facilitates respiration, digestion, and locomotion through the attachment of limbs and trunk muscles. Its shape and proportions vary with age, sex, and body composition; the pelvic region differs between sexes due to childbirth-related anatomy.

Clinical and cultural relevance: Torso injuries and conditions (for example, chest trauma, abdominal incidents, spinal disorders) are common concerns in emergency medicine and trauma care. In anthropology and ergonomics, torso measurements inform assessments of body proportions and seating or clothing design. In art and sculpture, the torso is a central axis of symmetry and expression.