This side-by-side image illustrates muscle surface anatomy and the rib cage under it. The highlighted ribs 8-10 are reliable bony landmarks, visible even if a person is very athletic. They become even more evident when the person bends forward or raises its arm. www.anatomy4sculptors.com

Swordplay has traditionally been a male-dominated activity in western society. The books we work from were written by and for men, and the artist models were men. Canonical positions, particularly in rapier texts, may not be the most mechanically advantageous for other body types. Find out how you can adapt your practice for every body. Continue reading →

Yikes! No wonder they had fainting couches. And, no wonder why I can't cinch my corset in. I grew up swimming and expanding my ribs! The effects of corsetry, vintage medical illustration. There was no need of "removing ribs" when a corset was worn from childhood.

Rib Cage Diagram

Thorax. The thorax, or chest, is an elongated conical-shaped cage, formed by the sternum and costal cartilages in front, the 12 ribs on each side, and the bodies of the 12 dorsal vertebrae behind. It contains and protects the principal organs of respiration and circulation. Labels: 1 to 12, ribs; d, d, costal cartilages; e, upper end of sternum; b, middle portion of sternum; 1 a, first dorsal vertebra; 12 a, twelfth dorsal vertebra; 7 a, seventh cervical vertebra; 1 to 7, true ribs; 8 to 12…