Anthropometry Flashcards

1
Q

What is the formula for body mass index?

A

BMI = Mass/Stature^2 (kg/m^2)

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2
Q

What limitations exist in using BMI s an indicator of obesity? What alternative indices can be used to measure adiposity?

A

Whilst BMI suggests levels of adiposity, the BMI interpretation can be confounded by high levels of muscle tissue. Therefore elite athletes and body builders tend to have high BMIs despite having healthy levels of body fat. Waist-to-hip ratio can complement the BMI calculation as it is a more precise measure of adiposity.

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3
Q

What is the androgyny index?

A

Androgyny index = 3*Biacromial breadth – Bicristal breadth (cm)

Measures body proportions

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4
Q

What is the purpose of percentile growth charts for children?

A

Child growth charts can be used to monitor the health of a patient. In the first few years of life, head circumference, weight, and body length are routinely taken to compare to population health standards of expected growth rates.

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5
Q

Define skeletal age. How does it differ to chronological age?

A

Skeletal age is determining the age of someone by the development of bones, fusion of bones and development of ossification centres and comparing to the general population. Chronological age is the actual age of someone. Some people’s skeletal age can be younger/older than their chronological age

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6
Q

Contrast the terms kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis in the vertebral column and provide an example of the conditions through which each condition presents itself.

A

The curvatures can change with age and adaptation such as when increased abdominal loads occur in pregnancy or obesity, a lumbar lordosis forms, which is an accentuation of the lumbar curvature (increased anterior convexity). The lordosis forms to redistribute the new loading conditions and minimise increased stress and postural muscle contraction required to stabilise the body position.

Scoliosis is a
lateral curvature of the vertebral column and can result from atypical embryological development such as in the vertebral bodies (hemivertebra formation) or postnatally as an adaptation to external loads or unilateral muscle paralysis. Upper limb handedness and asymmetrical distribution of loads on the back can result in the
formation of scoliosis.

Kyphosis is an exaggeration of the thoracic primary curvature and typically occurs with age due to decreased strength in the vertebral bodies such as in osteoporosis and/or vertebral compression
fractures. It gives an individual a ‘hunchback’ appearance.

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7
Q

At what age does the primary ossification centre of the scaphoid bone (located in proximal row of carpus) appear?

A

6

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8
Q

How many secondary ossification centres does each metacarpal have?

A

1

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9
Q

Which carpal bone is the last to ossify?

A

Pisiform

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10
Q

At what age does the distal epiphysis of the radius fuse with the shaft of the radius (ie. primary and secondary ossification centres meet)?

A

20

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11
Q

At what age do the proximal phalanges start ossifying?

A

3 years

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12
Q

Discuss clinical and professional applications of anthropometric assessment.

A

Anthropometric assessment involves measuring various physical characteristics of the human body and is widely applied in clinical and professional settings. Its clinical applications include growth monitoring in children, nutritional assessment, diagnosing and managing diseases, evaluating body composition, and fitness assessment. In professional contexts, it helps design ergonomic workspaces, create well-fitting clothing, and customize products. Anthropometric data are also invaluable in research, aging studies, physical rehabilitation, and forensic science. Accuracy and consistency in measurements are essential, and trained professionals utilize anthropometry to make informed decisions in healthcare, design, and research fields.

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13
Q

Is it of concern if a neonate’s weight is low and in the 5th percentile? Explain

A

In general, being in the 5th percentile does not necessarily indicate a problem, especially if the neonate is otherwise healthy and developing appropriately

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14
Q

What is the difference between the epiphyseal plate and line?

A

In summary, the epiphyseal plate is a cartilaginous structure found at the ends of long bones that allows for longitudinal growth, while the epiphyseal line is the bony structure that remains after the epiphyseal plate has closed and signifies the end of longitudinal bone growth. The transition from the epiphyseal plate to the epiphyseal line is an important milestone in an individual’s bone development and growth.

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15
Q

Consider the curvatures of the vertebral column. What is the mechanical advantage of these curvatures?

A

The curvatures of the vertebral column allow the line of gravity to
pass through the body in the erect position in order to reduce the required active force needed to maintain posture. The secondary curvatures pass anterior to the line of gravity and the primary curvatures pass posterior to the line of gravity.

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16
Q

Why do the secondary curvatures of the vertebral column form? Describe their development

A

The development of secondary curvatures is crucial for maintaining balance and stability as humans transition from a quadrupedal (four-legged) posture to a bipedal (two-legged) posture. The cervical and lumbar curvatures help distribute the load of the upper body more evenly and reduce the risk of excessive stress and strain on the spine. The secondary curvatures also facilitate an upright posture, which is a characteristic feature of the human skeletal system.

The cervical curvature forms at around 3-4 months of age when the
baby is first able to hold up its head without support. The lumbar curvature appears by 12-18 months when the baby starts to sit up, crawl and stand.

17
Q

Concerning body size and proportions:

a disturbance in mass during development may be an indicator of chronic undernutrition

BMI measurements increase with age of the child due to the rapid increase in stature during the adolescent growth spurt

BMI is the most accurate measure of adiposity currently used clinically

Bicristal breadth is the maximum distance between the lateral points of the right and left iliac crests

Females have relatively lower sitting height ratios as their lower limbs are typically longer than males

A

b, d

18
Q

Concerning growth and maturation

Skeletal age is the same as chronological age

Females undergo growth spurts typically two year later than males

Head circumference is routinely used to monitor child growth by comparing the child’s size to population health standards of expected growth rates.

Skeletal age can be calculated by examining the appearance and fusion of ossification centres of the hand and wrist

A

c, d

19
Q

Order the below systems from highest velocity to lowest velocity of growth in the first 2 years after birth:

Reproductive system
Musculoskeletal system
Lymphatic system
Nervous system

A

Nervous system
Lymphatic system
Musculoskeletal system
Reproductive system