What is the torso?

The torso is the middle part of your body. It is the area between your neck and your legs. That means the chest and the belly are part of the torso, but your head, arms, and legs are not.

Words that mean the same (synonyms)

• Body — a simple word that kids use all the time. Sometimes people say "body" when they mean the torso.
• Trunk — a short word used in science and anatomy for the middle part of the body.
• Midsection — a fancier word that means the middle area of the body.
• Upper body — this usually means the top part of the torso (around the chest and shoulders).

Note: Words like chest and belly are parts of the torso, not exact synonyms, because they name smaller areas inside the torso.

Examples

• "Put your jacket on to keep your torso (your chest and belly) warm."
• "In class we learned that the trunk or torso is where the heart and lungs are."
• "Touch your midsection — that is the middle of your body."

Quick activity (try it now)

1. Put one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
2. Breathe in and out slowly — you just felt your torso move!
3. Say the words: torso, trunk, body, midsection. Point to the place you touched each time.

This helps you remember what the torso is and the different words you can use.