Thorax, side view

Fig. 1: Normal position.

Fig. 2: Inclination of the thorax to the right stretches the latissimus dorsi of the left presenting as a rather thin band.

Fig. 3: Inclination of the thorax to the left presents the latissimus dorsi as rather voluminous. Skin-folds produced by this maneuver are eventually undistinguishable from underlying muscular, fat tissue or cartilaginous structures.

Fig. 4:  The lower ribs (8, 9, 10) forming the inferior thoracic border are connected solely by connective tissue to each other. Contraction of the external oblique abdominis - especially in combination with inspiration - may occasionally pull or press some of them down producing a rather "rocky" visual impression.