Tag: jamie fraser

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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

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Photo Credit: Sony, Entertainment Weekly

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Fun Fact: Incisura

Anatomy Def: Notch between tragus and antitragus of the auricle. To understand the meaning of these words, read on!

Outlander Def: The ear cleft (red arrow) patiently awaiting Claire’s attention!

Learn about incisura in Anatomy Lesson #24  Hear, Here – The Ear! 

The auricle, part of the outer ear, is the visible, bendable flap situated on either side of the head. Like fingerprints or venous patterns on the back of hands, each auricle is unique to its owner.  The auricle has a cartilage core enveloped by thin skin. Auricular (adj.) anatomy is complex; it’s hollows, ridges, and whorls act to modify sounds waves of particular frequencies.

Near the base of the auricle and just above the ear lobe are two wee bumps: tragus is nearest the face; anti-tragus is nearest the outer rim. These bumps are separated by a notch, the incisura. Yay!

Incisura is also known as the intertragic notch.  An apropos name for that tragic moment when young Ian, Jamie’s beloved nephew, chooses to exchange himself for Roger Mac. Ian proves himself “a man of worth!”

Fun Fact: This is one good reason to know about the incisura. The incisura/intertagic notch is the point specified  in the U.S. Army’s regulation governing the length of sideburns in male soldiers. In other words, sideburns cannot be longer than the incisura. Who knew? Male soldiers, I presume! <G>

Try This: Find the notch near the base of your auricle. Insert finger. This is the incisura (intertragic notch), flanked on either side by the cartilaginous bumps, tragus and anti-tragus. Specific function of incisura is not known but likely aids in sound wave modification.

Otalgia: Some people experience incisural pain, generally known as otalgia, meaning “ear pain.” The most common causes of incisural pain are:

    • otitis externa or inflammation of outer ear (auricle/ear canal)
    • otitis media or inflammation of middle ear (between ear drum and inner ear)

Read about the auricle in Diana’s splendid big book, The fiery Cross. Many ear quotes to choose from, but in this one, Jamie’s wandering thumb comes verra close to Claire’s incisura! (cough, cough)

His fingers went under the mass of hair, and I felt his hand cup the base of my skull, holding my head like a chalice. 

“I saw my mother in her coffin,” he said at last. His thumb touched my ear, drew down the curve of helix and lobule, and I shivered at his touch. 

“The women had plaited her hair, to be seemly, but my father wouldna have it. I heard him. He didna shout, though, he was verra quiet… He undid her plaits and he spread out her hair in his two hands across the pillow…”

Sob!

See Jamie’s left incisura as he sadly ponders Ian’s decision to remain with the Mohawk in Starz Outlander episode 413, A Man of Worth! 

The deeply grateful,

Outlander Anatomist

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Photo Credit:   Starz ep 413, A Man of Worth

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Saturday and Sunday at 2019 NYCC

Saturday at 2019 NYCC!

Saturday was a busy but fantastic day at 2019 NYCC!

My morning began with a round table press interview about the new Apple original series FOR ALL MANKIND (FAM).

Pressroom walls were decorated with images reflecting two alternative realties about the space race to the moon. One image recorded reality as we know it…  the USA made it to the moon first.

The second image offered an alternative reality: what if Russians had reached the moon first?!!!

We interviewed Ron D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi, creators, writers and executive producers for FAM.  Maril Davis, executive producer and several cast members also participated in the round table event.

During the interview, I ask Ron if he could discuss the origins of this alt reality show.  Hope you enjoy his response and also comments from Maril.

Who, by the way, looks fabulous in red!

Continue reading “Saturday and Sunday at 2019 NYCC”