Trunk (anatomy)

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Trunk (anatomy)
Grays Anatomy image1219.gif
The human male torso.
Latin truncus

Trunk or torso is an anatomical term for the central part of the many animal bodies (including that of the human) from which extend the neck and limbs.[1] The trunk includes the thorax and abdomen.


Major organs[edit]

Surface projections of major organs of the trunk, using the vertebral column and rib cage as main reference sources.

Most critical organs are housed within the trunk. In the upper chest, the heart and lungs are protected by the rib cage, and the abdomen contains the majority of organs responsible for digestion: the liver, which respectively produces bile necessary for digestion; the large and small intestines, which extract nutrients from food; the anus, from which fecal wastes are excreted; the rectum, which stores feces; the gallbladder, which stores and concentrates bile and produces chyme; the ureters, which passes urine to the bladder; the bladder, which stores urine; and the urethra, which excretes urine and passes sperm through the seminal vesicles. Finally, the pelvic region houses both the male and female reproductive organs.

Major muscle groups[edit]

The trunk also harbours many of the main groups of muscles in the body, including the:


The organs and muscles etc. are innervated by various nerves, mainly originating from thoracic vertebrae segments. For instance, the cutaneous innervation is provided by:

See also[edit]