Since bone reacts to imposed loads by formation and resorption of tissue, analyses of tissue distribution within a bone provides evidence of the adaptation of that bone to a given mechanical function. Definition of these structure-function relationships allows the physical anthropologist to clarify the wide variety of behavioural/morphological adaptations in extant primates. Structural analysis of primate limb bones using engineering beam theory can be really useful in reducing complex biological forms to a few readily interpretable and functionally relevant parameters. In the past, several methods of analysing these structural parameters have been described, such as computed tomography, multiple plane radiography, and automated digital analysis. The application of the above techniques to problems in primate adaptation and evolution includes estimation of body mass in fossil specimens, investigation of relative fore- and hind-limb mechanical loadings, and study of within and between species differences in behaviour (for example locomotion) as reflected in variations of limb bone shape. Cross-sectional geometric properties (areas, second moments of area) have been extensively used for reconstructing the mechanical loading history of long bone shafts. Here we present a study of the biomechanical characteristics performed on cheiridia and the tibio-fibular complex of extant Hominoidea. Systematic comparison of the structural properties of these bones has not yet been carried out. The results put in evidence the usefulness of cross-sectional geometry in pointing out links between structural properties of long bones and locomotion behaviour in primates, and may be useful in elucidating locomotor adaptations of fossil specimens.
Cross-sectional geometry of the limb bones of the Hominoidea by biplanar radiography and moulding techniques
MARCHI, DAMIANO;
2004-01-01
Abstract
Since bone reacts to imposed loads by formation and resorption of tissue, analyses of tissue distribution within a bone provides evidence of the adaptation of that bone to a given mechanical function. Definition of these structure-function relationships allows the physical anthropologist to clarify the wide variety of behavioural/morphological adaptations in extant primates. Structural analysis of primate limb bones using engineering beam theory can be really useful in reducing complex biological forms to a few readily interpretable and functionally relevant parameters. In the past, several methods of analysing these structural parameters have been described, such as computed tomography, multiple plane radiography, and automated digital analysis. The application of the above techniques to problems in primate adaptation and evolution includes estimation of body mass in fossil specimens, investigation of relative fore- and hind-limb mechanical loadings, and study of within and between species differences in behaviour (for example locomotion) as reflected in variations of limb bone shape. Cross-sectional geometric properties (areas, second moments of area) have been extensively used for reconstructing the mechanical loading history of long bone shafts. Here we present a study of the biomechanical characteristics performed on cheiridia and the tibio-fibular complex of extant Hominoidea. Systematic comparison of the structural properties of these bones has not yet been carried out. The results put in evidence the usefulness of cross-sectional geometry in pointing out links between structural properties of long bones and locomotion behaviour in primates, and may be useful in elucidating locomotor adaptations of fossil specimens.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
