THE PROPORTIONS OF THE SKELETON:

There are many different proportional schemes that have been devised over the centuries -- no one system works exactly for everyone. However, the human figure deviates very little from the average.

The most widely accepted proportional system was developed by the 19th C. anatomist, Dr. Paul Richer. He came up with the 7 1/2 head system -- this has often been simplified to 8 heads.

To achieve proportions: count down 4 heads -- the pelvis is located in 4th head length; count up 4 head lengths: the top of 4th head marks the head of the femur.

Midpoint of the skeleton is at 3 3/4 heads. On the male, this point is at the pubic crest; on the female it is slightly above the pubic crest.

The pubic bones and the great trochanters are at 3 3/4 head lengths from the top of the skull. The bottom of the pelvis (the ischia) is 4 head lengths down.

Approximate proportions of the rib cage: length  - 1 1/2 head lengths high; 1 1/4 head lengths wide; 1 head length deep; the side view should be a flattened oval, the front view an egg shape with the narrow part of the egg at the top

pelvis - 1 head length high; 1 1/4 head length wide (the male pelvis is narrower both in width and depth and taller than the female); 3/4 head lengths deep

femur - 2 head lengths from the head to base of the condyles of the femur

leg and foot - 2 head lengths

length of foot slightly over 1 head length

 

Vertical alignments -- side view of the erect figure:

• ear hole - on the vertical line of gravity

• cervical region starts slightly in back of vertical line of gravity and curves backward

• dorsal (thoracic) region curves forward towards vertical line of gravity

• lumbar vertebrae on or slightly behind line of gravity

• sacrum and coccyx tilt backward

• the head of the femur fits in the acetabulum (vinegar cup); located just in front of the line of gravity and at the top of the 4th head length from the bottom

• great trochanter located on line of gravity

• femur - bowed form just behind vertical axis (the curve of the femur should not be understated -- even though deeply buried in muscle it has a profound effect on the shape of the leg

• knee joint and forward edge of tibia just behind vertical axis

• arch of foot on line of gravity

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