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For other uses of "Torso", see Torso (disambiguation).
Grays Anatomy image1219.gif
Human male torso
Latin truncus
TA A01.1.00.013
FMA 7181
Anatomical terminology

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 the 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; the kidneys, which produce urine, the ureters, which pass it to the bladder for storage; 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:



See also[edit]