rhizoverbBeta
DictionarythoraxCentral body section
noun

thorax

THOR-aks/ˈθɔːræks/

The body section between the neck or head and the abdomen.

The overlay shows the ribs enclosing the man’s thorax.

A simple waist-up anatomical portrait of a man, with a subtle translucent overlay of the ribs and sternum identifying the chest region between the neck and abdomen.
Etymology
thoraxGreekbreastplate, chest

Greek thōrax meant both “breastplate” and “chest”; its medical sense probably arose from the armor sense. This suggests a protective-covering image behind the anatomical term, though the Greek word’s deeper origin is unknown.

In context

Institute of Human Anatomy0:44
your thorax — or thoracic region — is going to be the area between your neck and your abdomen. It includes the ribs, or the rib cage
The Real Human Body: Internal Organs of the Thorax

More examples

  • The diagram shows the thorax between the neck and abdomen.
  • The doctor examines the patient's thorax.
  • She labels the head, thorax, and abdomen of the specimen.

Forms

thorax · thoraxes · thoraces

Similar words

chest
Chest is the ordinary human term; thorax also names the corresponding body region in other animals.
torso
Torso is the whole trunk; thorax is the chest region above the abdomen.