Loin has the following meanings in the field of medicine:

1. The part of the back between the lowest pair of ribs of the thorax (chest) and the top of the pelvis. The pelvis is a massive bone made of hip bones on each side and the front, while the back part is made of the sacrum (a triangular bone) and coccyx (a beak shaped bone).

2. The upper and lower regions of the belly and the region around the hips.

3. The lowest part of the belly that is below the belly button and between the groin (where the belly joins the thighs).

Loin most often refers to the first definition, mentioned above. Lumbar is an adjective that is commonly used to describe the area of the loin. Loin is also known as lumbus. The plural of loin is lumbi. Loin comes from the Middle English word "loyne" meaning "flank." Flank means the same thing as loin.

Back to main page Contact MedFriendly.com Copyright © 2001, MedFriendly.com. All rights reserved. You may not reprint or redisplay this material for commercial use without the express written consent of MedFriendly.com. Use of MedFriendly.com is subject to reading this disclaimer & the terms and conditions.