somatotype

Last reviewed 06/2021

A human physical type (somatotype) tending toward linearity, as determined by the physique classification system developed by the American psychologist W.H. Sheldon. The somatotype was classified either as:

• ectomorphic: characterized by long and thin muscles/limbs and low fat storage; usually referred to as slim
  • a person is classed as an ectomorph if ectomorphy predominates over endomorphy and mesomorphy in his body build
  • extreme ectomorph
    • has a thin face with high forehead and receding chin
    • narrow chest and abdomen
    • rather long, thin arms and legs; little body fat and little muscle
• mesomorphic: characterized by large bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waist
  • a person is classed as a mesomorph if mesomorphy predominates over endomorphy and ectomorphy in his body build
  • extreme mesomorph
    • has a square, massive head
    • broad, muscular chest and shoulders
    • heavily muscled arms and legs
    • minimal body fat
• endomorphic: characterized by increased fat storage, a wide waist and a large bone structure
  • a person is classed as an endmorph if endomorphy predominates over ectomorphy and mesomorphy in his body build
  • extreme endomorph has a body as nearly globular as humanly possible
    • a round head, a large, round abdomen, large internal organs relative to his size
    • rather short arms and legs with fat upper arms and thighs, but slender wrists and ankles