Abstract
Using X-ray CT (computed tomography) images, hypodermic fatty layers were surveyed in 26 adult humans (10 males, 16 females) . CT images were taken at 7 different longitudinal levels of the torso, and quantities determined from images included total cross-sectional area, the hypodermic fatty layer area and thickness of the layer at 6 positions (denoted A-F on circumference) on each cross-section. The differences between three different body types, which were defined by the Rohrer Index, were discussed. Differences between the sexes were also discussed. 1) Total cross-sectional area : In males, values showed maximum at 2 levels (mid-point of sternum, xiphoid) among 7 levels ; and, for females, 2 maximal values appeared at the mid-point of the sternum level and the level of the pubic symphysis. Values at the umbilicus level were smallest in both sexes. 2) Areas of hypodermic fatty layer : Here, the values for males were maximal at the umbilicus level, next largest were found at the lower abdominal level. For females, however, the maximal values appeared at the pubic symphysis and lower abdominal levels and values for the umbilicus level followed in magnitude. 3) Hypodermic fatty layer area ratios to those of the total cross-sectional area: Values here were largest at the umbilicus level in both sexes. For males, the ratio at the lower abdominal level and at the pubic symphysis level followed in this order : For females, the order of magnitude of values was reversed beween those two ratios. The most minimal ratio appeared at the level of the xiphoid in both sexes. A tendency towards higher ratios in females than in males was seen at all 7 levels for bodies of the A-type. This was seen, however, only at levels below the upper abdomen for bodies of the C-type, and at all levels, except the umbilicus and lower abdomen, for bodies of the D-type. 4) Thickness of the hypodermic fatty layer : The maximal values in this layer appeared at point F for the superior border, midpoint and xiphoid of sternum levels. For the upper abdominal level, maximal values appeared at point A, and for the umbilicus level, at point D. They were all found at point C for the lower abdominal level and at point A for the pubic symphysis level.
