Loin

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The 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.123 It is often used when describing the anatomy of humans and quadrupeds (such as horses,45 pigs67 or cattle8). The anatomical reference also carries over into the description of cuts of meat from some such animals, eg. tenderloin or sirloin steak.2

Contents

As a 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 below the pelvis.1 It is frequently used to reference the general area below the ribs. While a common term, it is generally not used in medical science,9 as the medical community generally chooses to name the internal organs and be more descriptive than "loins." Even with this, some disorders do contain the term loin.10

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

As a euphemism for human genitals

Main articles: Sexual Euphemisms and Genitals

The term also has become euphemistic for human genitals12 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.12

In the Authorized King James Version 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.1314 This suggests that if a man (or possibly 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.15 Such a fruit of my loins reference is also made in the King James Version.16

It is also used as a term for the general lower area of the body17 much like the term "below the belt" references the area below where the average person would wear a belt.18

Loins in butchery

Main articles: Beef and Butcher
When a carcass is butchered, it is divided into many sections.

Butchers frequently refer to the section of meat below the rib cage, yet above the round as loin. Various names of meats further butchered from the loin section of cattle and pork19 contain the name "loin" such as tenderloin and sirloin. In American culinary arts20 the loin section of meat from the top half of cattle is divided into three sections.21. The various names for the cuts of beef from this section are named sirloin, tenderloin, top sirloin, and short loin22 They are named for their respective parts on the cattle. In England's culinary art system, the loin section of beef is generally only registered as one part, instead of the American three.citation needed While the many sections of loin are available in England, it is generally considered one cut.

It has been suggested by many2324 culinary professionals that tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef one can get.25 The loin section of beef is fairly popular among consumers for its low fat qualities.19 It is also the source of the highly desirable filet mignon.

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ a b c "loin". Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. 
  2. ^ a b c "loin". Compact Oxford English dictionary of current English. (2005). London: Oxford U.P. ISBN 0-19-861022-X. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. 
  3. ^ http://www.theodora.com/anatomy/surface_anatomy_of_the_back.html
  4. ^ "Body Parts of the Horse". Gaited Horses. Retrieved on 2008-08-13.
  5. ^ http://horses.about.com/od/partsofthehorse/g/loin.htm
  6. ^ http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Main-Dish/Roasts/Pork-Tenderloin/Main.aspx
  7. ^ "Do You Know the Parts of Your Pet Pig?". United Pet Pig Registry, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-08-13. extracted from Reeves, David E.; H. Neil Becker and American Association of Swine Practitioners (1993). Care and management of miniature pet pigs: guidelines for the veterinary practitioner. Santa Barbara, California: Veterinary Practice Pub. Co. ISBN 0-9603534-3-7. 
  8. ^ http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,roast_beef_tenderloin,FF.html
  9. ^ http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4193
  10. ^ http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/loin-pain-hematuria-syndrome
  11. ^ http://www.back.com/anatomy-lumbar.html
  12. ^ "WiseGeek", What is a Loincloth? (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  13. ^ "BibleTab", Loincloth (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  14. ^ "Bible-History", Word Looking: Loins (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  15. ^ "TheFreeDictionary Idoms Collection", Fruit of [his\my] Loins (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  16. ^ "ScriptureText", Acts 2:30 (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  17. ^ "GraceCathedral", Sermon Exserpts (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  18. ^ "Phrases.org.uk", Phrase Meanings: Below the Belt (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  19. ^ a b Rattray, Diana. "Pork Tenderloin Recipes". About.com. Retrieved on 2008-08-13.
  20. ^ http://www.practicallyedible.com/edible.nsf/encyclopaedia!openframeset&frame=Right&Src=/edible.nsf/pages/northamericanbeefcutsillustrated!opendocument
  21. ^ "GourmetSleuth", Guide to Beef Cuts (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  22. ^ "FoodSubs", Beef Loins (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  23. ^ "AskTheMeatMan", Beef Cuts (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  24. ^ "OhioSignature", Types of Beef Cuts (2005). Retrieved on 26 June 2008. 
  25. ^ http://bbq.about.com/cs/steaks/a/aa091397a.htm

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  • This page was last modified on 17 November 2008, at 21:00.

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