EXPLORING THE TORSO SIDE VIEW
Skeleton The visual landmarks of the skeleton in profile are the 7th cervical vertebrae, acromion process, inner margin af scapula, and backbone. The backbone's four curves cervical (forward), thoracic (backward), lumbar (forward), and sacra (backward)-arrange the head, chest, and pelvic girdle over the legs for balance.
Trunk Muscles The upper torso muscles-as well as the scapula, which is anchored by muscle to the spine, ribs, and arms-follow and influence all arm movement. Mid·torso muscles, such as external oblique, rectums abdominal, and latissimus Doris, bend, twist, and stabilize the rib cage and pelvis. Muscles below the pelvic girdle activate the legs.
Diagram of Landmarks It is lack of fat in addition to degree of muscularity that deter mines surface definition. To render the female form, it's important to become familiar with fat deposit areas, including the flank (iliac crest); buttocks (gluteus); and stomach (abdo min), especially below the navel. Mammary fat accounts for the smoothness of the breast.
Drawing Tips Female figures display a more fluid contour than do male figures, largely because of the female's extra fatty layer, which serves a reproductive purpose but also obscures muscular form. Muscular structure is basically the same for both sexes, but the width and angle of the pelvis makes the skeleton more recognizably male or female.
