Body Mechanics

( Vertebral Column or Spinal Column) The back has 3 natural curves name each curve

cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae

(Cervical Vertebrae) What does the combining form cervic/o mean?

neck

(Cervical Vertebrae) What does the term cervical mean?

Pertaining to neck

(Cervical Vertebrae) How many cervical vertebrae do we have?

Seven

(Cervical Vertebrae) Where are the cervical vertebrae located?

In the neck, top of the spine

(Cervical Vertebrae) What is the name of C1?

The atlas

(Cervical Vertebrae) What is the name of C2?

The axis

(Thoracic Vertebrae) What does the combing form thoracic/o mean?

Chest

(Thoracic Vertebrae) How many lumbar vertebrae do we have?

12

(Thoracic Vertebrae) Where are the thoracic vertebrae located?

Middle, outward curve of spine

(Lumbar Vertebrae) What does the combining form lumb/o mean ?

Loin, lumbar region of the spine

( Lumbar Vertebrae) What does the term lumbar refer to ?

the part of the back and sides between the ribs and pelvis

( Lumbar Vertebrae) How many lumber vertebrae do we have?

five

( Lumbar Vertebrae) Where are the lumbar vertebrae located?

between the chest area ( thoracic area) and the sacrum

(Sacrum) Description

slightly curved, triangular-shaped bone

(Sacrum) Location

near the lower portion of the back ( base of the spine)

(Coccyx) What it another name for this bone?

tailbone

(Coccyx) What does it form?

forms the end of the spine

(Intervertebral Disks) What are these made of?

cartilage and pad of tissue

(Intervertebral Disks) What is their function

separate and cushion ( the vertebrae from each other and allow for movement of the spinal column, stock absorber)

(Body Mechanics) Definition of body mechanics

the study of how the body moves and maintains balance while malcing the most efficient use of all its parts

(Body Mechanics) List the four main reasons for using good body mechanics

1. Muscles works best when correctly

2. Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier

3. Prevent unnecessary fatigue and strain and saves energy

4. Prevents injury to self or others

(Body Mechanics) List the basic principles of good body mechanics

1. Maintain broad base of support

2. Bend at the hips and knees to get close to an object

3. Use the strongest muscles to do the job

4. Use body weight to help push/pull on object

5. Carry heavy objects close to the body

6. Avoid bending for long periods of time

7. Avoid twisting

8. If a patient or objects is too heavy for you to lift alone, always get help

(Posture) Definition

position in which someone holds their body when sitting or standing

(Posture) Explain the basic principles of good posture from the DHO book

• standing straight with stomach muscles pulled in

• shoulders relaxed and pulled back

• weight balanced equally on each foot

• aligned with the shoulders

• chest and chin held up

Alignment

The positioning of parts in a straight line

Base of support

Area of the body that comes in contact with the surface upon

which it rests

Stand with feet 8 to 10 inches apart to provide better balance

Line of gravity

An imaginary vertical line that passes through the center of gravity

Gravity

The force that pulls objects toward the center of the earth

Energy

The capacity to do work

Equilibrium

A state of balance within the body

Pivot

To turn the body by moving the feet rather than by twisting at the waist or hips

Dangle

To sit in bed with your feet hanging over the side of the bed

Your feet must be able to move in a free manner

Center of gravity

The point in the body where mass is centered

Usually the pelvic area in humans