Week Two
Page One
Welcome to day eight of the Human Skeleton Challenge!
What we are going to do now is, rather than looking at an abstract of the spine with cylinders, we can look at the spine in a more organic way. You might notice, that the spine curves depending on the structure it is supporting. Below the structure of the skull, the cervical spine is more vertical so as to get underneath the cranium, which can weigh an average of 11lbs, and support that weight. As the spine descends to the thoracic region, the spine bows away from the body to make room for the heart and lungs. This portion of the spine supports the individual ribs as they extend out from the 12 thoracic vertebrae.
Below the rib cage, the spine bends inwards in an effort to, once again, get underneath the larger structure of the upper torso to support the weight of everything from there up. This is why the lumbar region is so large. There are only 5 vertebrae but those 5 vertebrae make up 31% of the total weight of the spine; according to the America Association for Anatomy. Lastly we have the tail bone, which only becomes fully fused to the structure of the pelvis by the age of 30. The tailbone acts as an anchor, for both the spine and pelvis giving us the strength to resist gravity and also support the weight of our own bodies.
After last week, we are continuing to break down the human form. We will be reviewing the different aspects of the torso, including the spine, rib cage, pelvis, and the shoulder girdle. I will start by introducing you to the bone structure, and the following day we will practice merging that form with everything we have already learned.
Today we are looking at the spine as an organic form, rather than as cylinders. The cylinders help us to understand where the spine changes directions, while the organic form shows us the subtle curves of the spine. Understanding the functions of the individual regions of the spine helps to clarify why the spine curves the way it does. We have already reviewed these reasons, so let's get into the assignment.
Assignment One
Using the examples from today and even last weeks drawings, draw out the curves in the spine as previously described. Make note of the four major sections of the spine, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum and coccyx. Keep in mind the functions of these regions to help you to better portray them. Think about where the spine would be required to change its shape to form to the human body.