Fun Fact: Tendinous Intersection

Anatomy Def: Tendinous intersections are fibrous bands crossing the rectus abdominis muscles and marked by overlying skin grooves (curved red arrow).

Outlander Def: Belly grooves defining Jamie’s six-pack. Woot!

Learn about tendinous intersections (TAs) in Anatomy Lesson #16, Jamie’s Belly or Scottish Six-Pack.

Skin grooves overlying TAs are typically visible only in the lean and fit. Most humans have three pair:

    • Pair near tip of breastbone (xiphoid process),
    • Pair at navel
    • Pair midway between xiphoid and navel

Anatomical Variations:

  • TAs may be  horizontal, zigzag, arched or oblique
  • TA may be offset relative to its partner
  • Partial TAs are common (see Jamies top L groove)
  • 4th (& 5th) TA pairs may occur but usually incomplete
  • Extra TA pairs produce  an eight-pack

Question: Why do we have TAs? Are they for beauty or are they useful? Turns out, they are extremely useful.

As rectus abdominis muscles contract, the torso draws nearer the lower body. This is forward flexion. TAs allow rectus abdominis muscles to contract in segments permitting greater control over the degree of forward flexion.

Without TAs, there would be one long rectus abdominis on each side. Reduced strength can be predicted along with reduced control over the degree of forward flexion.

Does this ever happen? There is one report in the literature of a man who died at 64. Subsequent dissection revealed he had no TAs in either rectus abdominis muscle, so clearly, one can survive without these interesting structures.

Fun Fact:  are studied because the rectus abdominis muscle is used in reconstructive surgeries, especially those involving the breast.

Read about Jamie’s belly in Outlander book. Here’s Claire’s “frank” (Isn’t he 200 years away?) appraisal of Jamie on their wedding night:

“Take off your shirt,” I said, sitting up and pulling at the hem of the garment.

“Why?” he asked, but sat up and obliged. I knelt in front of him, admiring his naked body.

” ‘Because I want to look at you,’ I said.

He was beautifully made, with long graceful bones and flat muscles that flowed smoothly from the curves of chest and shoulder to the slight concavities of belly and thigh.”

See Jamie’s beautiful belly with its tendinous intersections in the above  publicity photo.

‘Nuff said!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Follow me on:

Photo Credit: Sony, Entertainment Weekly

2019 SiWC & Outlandish Vancouver, Day 3

Hi Outlander fans!

Last day at Surrey International Writers’ Conference (SiWC) and Outlandish Vancouver; things to do at both events.

I arrive early for Diana’s SiWC workshop, Managing a Mob, and take a moment to get my microphone set up. I am very excited.

This workshop was scheduled for 2018 SiWC, but was cancelled  when Diana was called to NYC for the PBS’ Great American Read. You may recall, To Kill A Mocking Bird took first place. Outlander book took second place! … beating out Pride and Prejudice. Puir Mr. Darcey! <G>

But, good news! SiWC rescheduled Herself’s Managing a Mob workshop for 2019, and the presentation was worth the wait! I recorded the entire session including Q and A, and share it (with her permission). Here it is in its entirety. To listen, click on the white arrowhead and wait for it to load. So, grab a cuppa and enjoy! 👍🏻

A quick lunch with Diana. She accommodated my request to photograph her beautiful nails. These are not gels, but regular polish. Love the electric violet! They also don’t interfere with keyboard work as she “types” with fingertips (I asked 😜).

What did we talk about? Nails, femurs, medial condyles, grandchildren (her little grandsons are gorgeous!), Season 4, Season 5 (she is enthusiastic)! Yay!

I gifted Diana with one of my beaded pieces.  This “Queen Bee” honors big book nine, Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone. A queen bee can be recognized by its elongated abdomen.

You may note that the upper left wing is upside down. I didn’t notice until it was stitched in place. I started to correct and then changed my mind  – only the Divine is perfect! 😉

A quick hug, goodbye, and off to meet Courtney Williams of Outlanderbts. We drove together to the final Outlandish Vancouver event, Cocktails with the Cast!

We are bound for the Native, a paddlewheeler on the beautiful Fraser River, New Westminster, B. C.

Diana and all the invited cast members, except John, were able to attend. We missed ye, lad!

Here are the guests, up close and looking, oh, so fine!

Paddlewheels start turning and we are off!

After drinks and hors de oeuvres, there is a splendid moment: Diana officiates in renewing wedding vows for this Texas couple! I am sure many of you recognize them as they are devoted Outlander fans. Few dry eyes as Diana recited “Ye Are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of My Bone!” Congratulations to Mark and Tina on 40 years of wedded bliss!

My view from the upper deck as the sun is setting. A tug tows log booms behind it. Then, the tug sounds its horn in greeting! (Pardon the fingers 😜)  Stunning!

Later, Koko informs us that Diana is helming (not driving) the boat!

A beautiful moment for her, I am sure. Diana does a seamless job as pilot – we didn’t know Herself was skillfully guiding us through the water. The next is one of my all time favorite photos of Diana! 🥰

Being petite, she cannot see over the wheel, but between the spokes works!

After docking, I grabbed Courtney and we scurried back to Surrey! She called me later that night to ask if my refrigerator was running? Silly girl! 😜

Just so you ken, Outlandish Vancouver is the brain child of Koko Pipkin. In the photo below, she is surrounded by the cast (she is also petite).

I don’t believe I have ever been to a fan event that ran as smoothly as this. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and organized.

Case in point: As I was shaking Mark’s hand, a small plate slipped out of my hand and shattered on the deck of the Native. Gah! 😱 Koko was there to pick up the pieces before I even bent down. Thank you, Koko!

Next year’s date is penciled into my calendar. Plan to be there come heck or high water!!! 😁

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Follow me on:

Photo Credits: Outlander Anatomy, Starz, Outlandish Vancouver, DWPhotography

2019 Outlandish Vancouver, Day 2

This post has taken several days to write. Drove home on Monday and Tuesday was spent reorganizing (laundry, etc. You know the drill)! Anyway, here we go!

Up and at ’em early Saturday morning for Outlandish Vancouver, day 2!

Gathering at Johnston Heights Elementary School, Outlandish Vancouver fans were greeted by man-in-kilt security! 😉

Inside the cafeteria, we were delighted to greet three cast members!

Who invited this villainous pirate?

Time for a group photo – we are all wearing Outlandish Vancouver shirts.

Next were photo opportunities with the cast. Courageous Cathie McQuistion of Cats and Kilts faces the dread Pie-rate Bonnet!

Ed holds aloft a cream pie; KiKi and John gesture: “No, man, don’t throw it!”

Oh, yeah, Ed throws it! Check out his proud pose!

Afterwards, Cathie said all three stars begged to throw the pie! 😁 IMO, Cathie has the most creative and clever photos of Outlander fandom. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

After the photos, it was time for a bit of lunch and then into the auditorium for the First Nations panel!

Trevor bravely went first.

Followed by Carmen, looking sleek and svelte! Love the boots, Ms. Moore!

Last man standing, was Braeden.  Such a cute and lively guy!

Before the panel, the school principal read a declaration honoring all First Nations people who initially inhabited the land.  This short statement is read before all assemblies at Johnston Heights.  I ❤️ this tradition!

The panel answered and responded to attendee questions and comments.

Although photos were allowed, no videography, so the following is a summary of this delightful experience!

Q: What are your passions other than acting?

    • Trevor – Mixed martial arts (black belt, trainer, gym owner)
    • Carmen – Karaoke, Netflix! 😁
    • Braeden – Motorcycles. Vroom! Vroom!

Q: Braeden, did you know how to ride a horse before filming?

    • No. He watched YouTube videos to learn riding and some guys on set told him how to mount a horse!

Q: How did you prepare for your role?

    • Carmen:  A friend translated her lines so she was able to audition in Mohawk! (smart lass 🤓)
    • Trevor:  Researched Mohawk war dance on YouTube.

Q: How did the authenticity of the costumes and set influence you?

    • Trevor: Very impressed with costumes, set, and especially, by the dialect coach.
    • Carmen and Braeden:  Agree!

Q: Do you speak your own indigenous language?

    • Carmen: She grew up in Vancouver and doesn’t speak any First Nation languages.
    • Braeden: He watched the film, Windtalkers! (Carmen reminded him that Windtalkers spoke Navajo! 😜)

Q: Was there comradery on set?

    • Carmen: All natives bond instantly. Lots of love and laughter. One evening, the bonding grew into a pillow fight and spilled into George Square, Glasgow! 😂

Next, someone from behind me called out, ” Who was your favorite actor on set?” It was John Bell in the nosebleed section with KiKi and Ed. 😉 To a person, the panel answered, “Rik!” Apparently, Rik constantly pulled pranks on anyone and everyone.

BTW, John can jump! Easy to see why he did most of the gauntlet scene, himself!

Back to the panel….

Q: Did anything unusual happen on set?

    • Braeden: During a take of ep 413, he heard a thump and the wee babe had rolled out of her wrapping! 😱 Terrified, he grabbed her up, but, no worries, she was smiling.

Q: What was done to get you into character?

Q: What are your latest projects?

    • Trevor:  Just wrapped a German film, set in the Yukon.
    • Braeden: Filming a futuristic sci-fi film with Sera-Lys McArthur (Johiehon).
    • Carmen: Finished a film about an indigenous mother seeking her missing daughter, touring film festivals, and various other projects.

Q: I asked Carmen to comment on the canoe scene from ep. 413, Man of Worth.

    • Carmen: The experience was magical! Birchbark canoes (fiberglass core) were made in Canada and shipped to Scotland. As they glided on the water, she and Cait looked at each other, deeply moved by the wonderful experience.

Q: I asked Trevor how the realistic “head” was created (ep 413)?

    • Trevor: A mold was made of his head before leaving Canada, the head was cast in Scotland!

Q: What did you like best about Scotland?

      • Braeden: Accent!
      • Trevor: Beauty, Edinburgh castles, Glasgow, oldest subways, art, history.

Q: If you could touch the stones, would you go back in time or into future?

      • Trevor: I would go into the future because you cannot change the past.
      • Carmen: I wouldn’t touch the stones!
      • Braeden: I would go back for Woodstock!
      • Carmen: Oh, I would go back for Woodstock! 😜

This delightful event came to a close and I scurried back to the Sheraton for author autographs. An overflow room and crowd control was there for fans waiting for Diana’s signature! This is part of the line. Hi fans!

My last book to be signed until I get my hands on Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone! 😍

This guy belongs to Men In Kilts, a bonafide cleaning service, but today, it was charged with crowd control. Possibly, this cutie added to the chaos! 😉😉

Then time for a relaxing drink with my dear friend, Courtney Williams of Outlander Behind the Scenes. We were being so silly.  We have no idea why this weird grid showed up on our only photo!

Back to the hotel and fell into bed. Tomorrow, Day 3!

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Follow me on:

Photo Credits: Outlander Anatomy, Outlandish Vancouver, DWPhotography, meaww.com, Starz,