Anatomical Trunk: Definition, Components & Organs

The term "trunk" in anatomy refers to the main part of the human body, excluding the limbs and the head. It encompasses the torso, which includes the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

1. Chest or Thorax:

- Located superiorly between the neck and the abdomen.

- Enclosed by the sternum anteriorly, thoracic vertebrae posteriorly, and

ribs laterally.

- Contains vital organs such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major

blood vessels.

2. Abdomen:

- Lies between the chest and the pelvis.

- Separated from the chest by the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle.

- Contains numerous organs, including the stomach, liver, pancreas,

small intestine, large intestine, kidneys, and reproductive organs.

3. Pelvis:

- The most inferior part of the trunk.

- Formed by the pelvic bones, including the hip bones (coxal bones) anteriorly

and the sacrum and coccyx posteriorly.

- Supports and protects the lower abdominal and pelvic organs such as the urinary

bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs.

The trunk is a critical region of the body as it houses several major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems.