Fun Fact: pectoral girdle

pectoral-girdle

Anatomy def: incomplete bony ring formed by clavicles and scapulae, which attaches to the sternum and supports the upper limbs; also known as the shoulder girdle.

Outlander def: yummy Jamie bones (clavicles and scapulae) of chest, shoulder and back that encircle, protect and love Mistress Claire!

Learn about the pectoral girdle in Anatomy Lesson #19, “To Arms, Too Arms, Two Arms!”  Understand that clavicles and scapulae form an incomplete bony ring, the pectoral girdle, which attaches to the sternum in the front midline and to no other bones of the chest.  Thus the weight of the entire upper limbs is suspended from and supported by the pectoral girdle.

See the left half of Jamie’s pectoral girdle and his long red curls, from a bird’s eye view in Starz, episode 109, The Reckoning! I reckon you ken which scene features this view of Jamie!  Mmphm!

Read about Jamie’s shoulders in Outlander book. In fact, there are so many references to his shoulders it is hard to choose. I know you will recognize this one!

“I think someone wants to speak with you alone,” I said. “I’ll leave you. The bandages on your shoulder can come off tomorrow, though. I’ll find you then.” “Aye. Thank ye again.” He squeezed my hand lightly in farewell.

a deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Fun Fact: tensor fasciae latae

tensor-fasciae-latae

Anatomy def: A muscle arising from iliac bone and inserting into IT band; it tightens the IT band, and flexes and abducts (draws to side) the thigh

Outlander def: The jaw-dropping gah! muscle at the side of Jamie’s hip and upper thigh.

Learn about tensor fasciae latae in Anatomy Lesson #18, “Hallelujah Chorus – Part Deux.”

Read about Jamie’s thigh muscles in Outlander book:

My companion seemed to be having little trouble, in spite of being unable to use this right hand. I could feel his thighs behind mine, shifting and pressing occasionally to guide the horse. I clutched the edge of the short saddle in order to stay seated; I had been on horses before, but was by no means the horseman this Jamie was.

See Jamie’s terrific, transcendent tensor fasciae latae muscle at “work” in Starz episode 107, The Wedding! Ha, ha!

A deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

Fun Fact: erector spinae

erector-spinaes

Anatomy def: bundle of vertically-oriented back muscles, one on each side of the spine; straighten the back and rotate the trunk from left to right.

Outlander def: paired columns of awesome, delightful Jamie muscles that flank the midline spinal groove.

Learn about erector spinae in Anatomy Lesson #10 “Jamie’s Back” or “Aye, Jamie’s Back!”

Read about Jamie’s erector spinae as Claire muses about these rounded columns of back muscles in Outlander book:

I thought with some regret that it must have been quite a beautiful back at one time. His skin was fair and fresh, and the lines of bone and muscle were still solid and graceful, the shoulders flat and square-set and the backbone a smooth, straight groove cut deep between the rounded columns of muscle that rose on either side of it.

See Jamie’s erector spinae muscles flex and bulge in rebellion at Dougal’s daring “usury” in Starz episode 105, Rent (also see his erector spine in episodes 102, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 115 16...pretty much in every episode. Snort!)

A deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist