loin

Human loins, on the side of the rib cage and pelvis

The loins are the sides between the lower ribs and pelvis, and the lower part of the back.^[1][2][3] It is often used when describing the anatomy of humans and quadrupeds (such as horses,^[4][5] pigs^[6][7] or cattle^[8]). The anatomical reference also carries over into the description of cuts of meat from some such animals, eg. tenderloin or sirloin steak.^[2]

Human anatomical term

In human anatomy the term "loin" or "loins" refers to the side of the human body below the rib cage to just above the pelvis.^[1] It is frequently used to reference the general area below the ribs. While the term "loin" is generally not used in medical science,^[9] some disorders do contain it.^[10]

The lumbar region of the spinal column is located in the loin area of the body.^[11]

The spinal column consists of five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal. That means "lumbar" is the third region.

Euphemism for human genitals

The term also has become euphemistic for human genitals^[1][2] due to their prominence in that anatomical region. Because of this euphemistic use of the term, the article of clothing that is worn around the genital area has been named a loincloth.

In the Authorized King James Version of the Christian Bible the term "loins" is used frequently. It is suggested that the "loins" is the minimum one must cover on their body to be respectful of the law.^[12][13] This suggests that if a man (or, possibly, a woman as well) covers up just their genital area, they are considered clothed enough for public life. Frequently the expression "fruit of his loins" is used to refer to children.^[14] Such a "fruit of my loins" reference is also made in the King James Version.^[15]

It is also used as a term for the general lower area of the body^[16] much like the term "below the belt" references the area below where the average person would wear a belt.^[17]

The term "gird one's loins" was used in the Roman Era meaning to pull up and tie one's lower garments between one's legs to increase one's mobility in battle. In the modern age, it has become an idiom meaning to prepare oneself for the worst.^[18]

Loins in butchery

American-tradition cuts

British-tradition cuts

When a carcass is butchered, it is divided into many sections

Butchers frequently refer to the section of meat below the rib cage, but above the round as loin. Various names of meats further butchered from the loin section of cattle and pork^[19] contain the name "loin" such as tenderloin and sirloin. In American culinary arts the loin section of meat from the top half of cattle is divided into three sections.^[20] The various cuts of beef from this section are named sirloin, tenderloin, top sirloin, and short loin. They are named for their respective parts on the cattle.

In the British butchery tradition, the same set of muscles are generally referred to as the "rump".

It has been suggested by culinary professionals that tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef one can get.^[21] The loin section of beef is fairly popular among consumers for its low fat qualities.^[19] It is the source of filet mignon.

See also

• Beef#Cuts
• Loincloth
• Love handles

Notes and references