Forces acting on human body from "summary" of Physics of the Human Body by Richard P. McCall
The human body is constantly being acted upon by a range of forces, such as gravity, friction and inertia. Understanding and utilizing these forces is key to understanding how the body moves and functions.- When we move, our body is always subject to a range of forces and influences. For example, when we stand up or go for a jog, our muscles experience an immense range of different dynamic forces that impacts how they react to the action.
- As we walk or run, our limbs must contend with a great deal of friction from the ground. Without this grasp from the surface, we'd slip and slide off in all directions.
- Our bones are also hardy but not invincible - they must contend with compressive, shear and torsional forces in everyday life. It's these forces that cause fractures and other bone-related injuries if they become too much for our tissue to bear.
- When engaging in any sort of sport, the body will be exposed to more stress than usual. Fast movements can generate pulleys of tension which may result in strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal traumas if not managed correctly.
- Finally, the environment offers a mix of visible and invisible forces that combine together and challenge the body's resilience throughout the day. Light waves, radiation, electrical signals and sound waves all collide with us in some way, so it's important to know their risks before taking activities that involve these components.
- Pressure is a major source of pain, discomfort and fatigue in our feet during long walks and runs. The weight of our body slowly adds up over time, creating quite a strain on the soft cushion underneath.
