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In additional to its obvious physiological importance, this part of the human anatomy has developed social and artistic importance as well, serving as the largest Canvas for Body Art on the human body. ANATOMY OF THE BACK Skeletal structure of the back The central feature of the human back is the Vertebral Column , specifically the length from the top of the Thoracic Vertebrae to the bottom of the Lumbar Vertebrae , which houses the Spinal Cord in its Spinal Canal , and which generally has some curvature that gives shape to the back. The ribcage extends from the spine at the top of the back (with the top of the ribcage corresponding to the T1 Vertebra ), more than halfway down the length of the back, leaving an area with less protection between the bottom of the ribcage and the hips. The width of the back at the top is defined by the Scapula , the broad, flat bones of the shoulders. Muscles of the back The spine is bordered by several groups of Muscles , including the Intertransversarii Muscle which facilitate movement between the individual Vertabrae , and the Multifidus Spinae , which facilitate the movement of the spine as a whole. Other muscles in the back are associated with the movement of the neck and shoulders. The Trapezius muscle, which is named from its Trapezium -like shape, runs between the Neck , the two Shoulder s, and the thoracic vertebra, T12. The large Latissimus Dorsi make a triangle from the shoulder to the hip. The significant mass of muscles in the back can be developed through back exercises . Organs of the back The Lung s are within the ribcage, and extend to the back of the ribcage, making it possible for them to be listened into through the back. The Kidney s are situated beneath the muscles in the area below the end of the ribcage, loosely connected to the Peritoneum . A strike to the lower back can damage the kidneys of the person being hit. Surface of the back The Skin of the human back is thicker and has fewer nerve endings than the skin on any other part of the torso. With some notable exceptions (see, e.g. George "The Animal" Steele ), it tends to have less hair than the chest on men. SIGNIFICANCE IN HUMAN SOCIETY Because of its size and the relative lack of hair, the back presents an ideal canvas on the human body for Tattoo artists to place large designs. Indeed, some individuals have tattoos that cover the entirety of the back. Others have smaller tattoos at significant locations, such as the shoulder blade or the bottom of the back. The curvature of the female back is a frequent theme in paintings, because the sensibilities of many cultures permit the back to be shown nude - implying full nudity without actually displaying it. Many English Idiom s mention the back, usually highlighting it as an area of weakness; you must "watch your back", or you may end up "with your back up against the wall"; worse yet, someone may "stab you in the back", but hopefully a friend "has got your back". The back is also a symbol of strength and hard work, with those seeking physical labor looking for "strong backs", and workers being implored to "put your back into it". |
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