Upright Posture and Locomotion

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to human bipedalism and its anatomical, locomotor, and adaptive features.

Bipedalism

The ability to walk on two legs, a characteristic of humans and some other mammals.

Quadrupedal Phase

The locomotor phase where animals move on four limbs.

Suspensory Locomotion

Movement style in which a primate moves while hanging from branches.

Knucklewalking

A form of locomotion used by some primates, where the knuckles support the body weight.

Plantigrade

Walking with the entire foot on the ground.

Arboreal

Living in trees.

Pelvic Rearrangement

The adaptation of the pelvis shape for bipedal locomotion.

Valgus Knee

An inward angle of the knee that helps align the center of pressure with the center of gravity.

Grasping Hands

Limbs adapted to hold onto branches or objects.

Mobile Shoulders

Adaptation for increased flexibility in shoulder movement.

Double Support

A phase in walking where both feet are on the ground.

Center of Mass

The point at which the mass of the body is centered and balanced.

Torricelli’s Law

A principle that describes how pressure changes in liquids as they move.

Striding

Walking with long steps, emphasizing efficient bipedal movement.

Longitudinal Arch

The arch of the foot that supports weight and provides stability.

Foramen Magnum

The hole in the skull where the spinal cord enters, positioned differently in bipedals.

Gluteus Medius

A muscle that helps stabilize the hip during walking.

Spermatic Cord

The cord that contains blood vessels and nerves supplying the testis.

Peritoneum

A membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

Inguinal Canal

A passage in the lower abdominal wall.

Heart Affixation

The attachment of the heart to the diaphragm.

Visceral Fat

Fat that surrounds internal organs.

Subcutaneous Fat

Fat that is located just beneath the skin.

Bipedal Hip

The adapted shape of human hips that support upright walking.

Knee Valgus

The inward angling of the femur causing the knee to angle in towards the center.

Center of Gravity

The point where the total weight of the body is concentrated.

Compressed Pelvic Diaphragm

Muscle structure supporting pelvic organs and preventing prolapse.

Adaptive Challenges

Difficulties faced due to changes in posture and movement efficiency.

Anatomy of the Knee Joint

Structural components such as ligaments and cartilage that support knee function.

Flexion and Extension

Bending and straightening movements of the joints.

Lateralized Ilium

The sideways orientation of the ilium to support bipedal locomotion.

Curved Spine

The spine's shape, which supports an upright posture.

Muscular Action

The use of muscles to counteract forces during movement.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Lower Limb Lengthening

An adaptation for more efficient bipedal locomotion.

Stable Back

A back structure that ensures balance and support during walking.

Reduced Tail

The evolutionary loss of the tail, contributing to upright posture.

Heightened Centers of Pressure

Increased awareness of balance and pressure points during bipedal movement.

Human Foot Structure

Adaptations in the foot that allow for a stable platform for walking.

Navicular Bone

A bone in the foot that contributes to the arch.

Calcaneus

The heel bone, key to walking stability.

Efficiency in Bipedalism

The minimal energy expenditure needed for walking upright.

Adaptive Traits of Bipedalism

Evolutionary features such as longer legs and a rearranged pelvis that support walking on two legs.