The text discusses the anatomical and functional roles of thighs and legs for humans and animals. It emphasizes the support and movement these body parts provide, describing how they bear the body's weight and contribute to balance and mobility. Additionally, it compares various animal anatomies to human anatomy, with notes on the ideal characteristics of thighs for both male and female figures.
Role and Function of the Thighs and Legs
And so we also disregard the modesty and service of private parts publicly displayed, believing nobody desires to delve into matters best kept covered unless absolutely necessary; Similarly, this content is more applicable to medical anatomy than to the artful study of the human body. It should be observed that a very large and uncultured sexual organ is a sign of a small and dull intellect, just as donkeys do not have the smallest organs among animals.
The thighs and legs generally serve to support and sustain a human being in standing and walking, functioning as pillars; they bear the entire weight of the body and transfer it from one side to the other during movement. In fact, they are the most stable tools for walking, jumping, maintaining one's posture, and executing strength. When a person suffers any discomfort or debilitation of the hip or thigh muscles, it considerably weakens their power and gait. Animals that need to run and jump possess firm muscles and tough sinews in their thighs, as can be observed in the dissection of horses, deer, hares, frogs, and many other large and small animals. Those who savor the best parts prefer the hind sections of a hare, choosing not the shortest and juiciest meat. However, a sheep's leg often provides a different experience. Bony and well-muscled thighs are more fitting for male figures; but women have round, soft, and fleshy thighs; those with thin thighs are admired by certain people.