Anatomy and Body Mechanics

Anatomy vs PhysiologyAnatomy: describes the bodily “structure” of humans, animals, and other living organisms. Ie. The heart and its parts

Physiology: describes “how the body works”. Ie. How the heart functions.

Anatomical PositionCommon starting point form which we can view, describe, and analyze body parts and body movementsPerson is standing erect; head, toes, eyes pointing forwardFeet are together and arms are slightly out to the sidePalms of the hands are facing forward

Anatomical Position

Describing Positions and Relationships

Anterior: front of bodyPosterior: back of bodySuperior: above or toward your headInferior: below or toward your feet

Describing Positions and Relationships con’t

Medial: closer to the midlineLateral: further from the midlineProximal: portions of limbs closer to the bodyDistal: portions of limbs further from the body

Anatomical Positions

MobilityMusculoskeletal systemMusclesSkeletonProvides the framework for the body and

allows it to move

BonesThere are 206 bones in the body5 types of bones Long bones – weight bearing (leg bones) Short bones – allow skill and ease of movement

(wrist, fingers, ankles, toes) Flat bones – protect organs (ribs, skull, pelvic bones,

and shoulder blades) Irregular bones – allow various degrees of

movement and flexibility Sesamoid bones: small, flat bones wrapped in

tendons (patella)

Role of the SkeletonSupport and Movement – frame to which our muscles and organs attachProtection – it is our body’s armour. (ie. Skull protects your brain)Blood Cell Factory – our bone marrow creates our blood cellsWarehouse – bones store minerals such as calcium and phosphate which are essential for bone formation

Anatomy of a Long BoneIn the bones we find such things as a:

A Medullary cavity – contains bone marrow (Where white blood cells are manufactured)Cartilage – protects end of long bones within jointsPeriosteum – connective tissue that covers the entire length of the bone. Ligaments and tendons connect to bone through this lining

Anatomy of a Long Bone

JointsThe point at which two or more bones meet allowing for movementBall and socket joints allow for movement

in all directions (ie. hip, shoulder)Hinge joints allow for movement in one

direction (ie. fingers)Pivot joints allow turning from side to side

(ie. head and neck)

MusclesMore than 500 muscles in the bodyVoluntary can be consciously controlled Attached to bone = voluntary Ie. Biceps, quadriceps, etc.

Involuntary Work automatically Cannot be consciously controlled Ie. Cardiac (heart) muscles

Muscles (2)Contraction of muscles burns food for energyResults in a production of heatThe greater the muscular activity, the

greater amount of heat that is producedShivering – a type of rapid muscle

contraction by which the body produces heat when exposed to cold

Ligaments and TendonsLigaments connect bone to bone. (ie. ACL in your knee)

Tendons connect bone to muscle (ie. achilles tendon)

Nervous SystemControls, directs, and coordinates body functionControls sensation (touch, smell, hearing, sight)Two main divisions Central (CNS) – brain and spinal cord Peripheral (PNS) – nerves that go to rest of body

Nerves conduct impulses between the brain and the rest of the bodyNerves can be easily damaged and they take a long time to heal

http://strengthguild.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CNS.gif

Body MechanicsRefers to movement of body in an efficient and careful manner Involves good posture, balance, and using largest

and strongest muscles

Important for avoidance of fatigue, muscle strain, and injury Note: The further an external weight is from your body, the greater the strain is on your body.