Anthropometry Flashcards
What is the formula for body mass index?
BMI = Mass/Stature^2 (kg/m^2)
What limitations exist in using BMI s an indicator of obesity? What alternative indices can be used to measure adiposity?
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.
What is the androgyny index?
Androgyny index = 3*Biacromial breadth – Bicristal breadth (cm)
Measures body proportions
What is the purpose of percentile growth charts for children?
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.
Define skeletal age. How does it differ to chronological age?
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
Contrast the terms kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis in the vertebral column and provide an example of the conditions through which each condition presents itself.
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.
At what age does the primary ossification centre of the scaphoid bone (located in proximal row of carpus) appear?
6
How many secondary ossification centres does each metacarpal have?
1
Which carpal bone is the last to ossify?
Pisiform
At what age does the distal epiphysis of the radius fuse with the shaft of the radius (ie. primary and secondary ossification centres meet)?
20
At what age do the proximal phalanges start ossifying?
3 years
Discuss clinical and professional applications of anthropometric assessment.
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.
Is it of concern if a neonate’s weight is low and in the 5th percentile? Explain
In general, being in the 5th percentile does not necessarily indicate a problem, especially if the neonate is otherwise healthy and developing appropriately
What is the difference between the epiphyseal plate and line?
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.
Consider the curvatures of the vertebral column. What is the mechanical advantage of these curvatures?
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.
