Biomechanics can be defined as the study of movement as it relates to the structural and functional aspects of a living being. More specifically, it can provide an explanation for the forces placed upon the skeletal system by muscles and gravity or it can refer to a specific function such as locomotion in humans. If the laws and knowledge of mechanics are applied to the structural and functional aspects of the body, it is important to integrate other disciplines that help to formulate the understanding of these characteristics.
Osteology is the study of the skeletal system and provides the concepts of Wolff’s Law to appreciate vital aspects of bone. First, that the shape of a bone determines its function. An example would be long bones, such as the humerus or upper arm bone. From a mechanical perspective it appears that these bones are meant to act as levers by design. Wolff’s Law also states that a bone’s shape can be altered by actions. This means that the density of the bone can be increased by physical activity. Arthrology is the study of joints, which are also known as articulations. The type of joint determines the degree of movement. A ball and socket joint will have more movement than a hinge joint. The integration of muscle strength and joint flexibility has tremendous implications for the mechanics of athletics. Myology is the discipline that studies the muscular system. There are a wide range of mechanical factors that can have an influence on muscle contraction. The force velocity principle provides an explanation of how a muscle can shorten faster with less resistance. The final area, Neurology, provides insights related to the central nervous system. The CNS can be considered nothing less than a wonder of architecture with its trillions of synapses. All the joints within the body contain pressure receptors. These receptors will respond to changes of as little as two degrees in posture or shifts in body weight.
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"The Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Human Limbs".
The disciplines discussed illustrate the fact that the body is an exceptional example of an integrated system. Connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments also possess mechanical features that effect flexibility, speed and strength. Additional aspects of mechanics such as force and energy would include the principles of statics and dynamics. Statics references systems when movement is absent and dynamics studies systems in motion. Static mechanics influence how the body will react when called into action such as a runner posed in the starting position. Dynamic mechanics analyze the impact of time and space on movement like a track athlete running a race.
A forelimb is described as a part of the body that is located near to the head, or the upper part of the torso. The human forearm consists of three segments, the upper arm, the forearm and the hand. The forearm contains the radius and ulna and its segmented anatomical design allows for more flexible movements and reduces the incidence of serious injury. The hands are likely the most important part of all musculoskeletal structures. The ability to position them is largely dependent upon the range of motion from the wrist, forearm, elbow, scapula and clavicle. The rotation of the forearm is achieved by the interaction of the radius and ulna and two joints.
The fact that the forearm has two bones has intrigued anthropologists as well as provoked thought about the design and function related to the evolutionary process. Evolutionists seem to agree that the distinct features of the forearm arose over 400 million years ago when pectoral fins evolved into a more functional structure for the purposes of locomotion and load transfer. The forearm’s development has occurred in conjunction with the development of the brain. The neural controls required for the hand and upper arm to function has likely contributed to the level of development.
The hind limbs in most species tend to be longer, stronger and sturdier than the forearm and the human body is no exception. This is illustrated by their firm posterior attachment to the spine by way of the pelvis. The design of the hind limb is similar to that of the fore limb. The hind limb includes the large upper leg bone or femur, knee, lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and the foot. The hind limbs in humans allow for the movement characteristics of bipedalism which includes standing, walking, jumping and running.
There are many theories related to the evolution of bipedalism in humans. The savanna-based theory explains the adaptation of walking erect that occurred as a result of living in open grasslands. Other schools of thought support the notion that bipedalism evolved to accommodate feeding more so than walking. However, what cannot be denied is the fact that movement has helped to shape the structure of the brain and ultimately the human body. As a result, the human brain is now three times the size of that of its bipedal ancestors. As early humans utilized their thinking and reasoning abilities to gather food, they became more active and athletic. The idea of being in motion resulted in them becoming smarter and eventually refined their movements. It is these distinctive features and characteristics that separate man from the remainder of the animal kingdom.
- White, Tim D. and Folkens, Pieter I. The Bone Manual. 1st edition, Academic Press, 2005. Print.
