This volume provides a thought-provoking perspective on the empirical and analytic study of body form and composition. The techniques used for measuring body components such as fat, water, lean tissue, bone mass and bone density are evaluated against potential 'gold standards'. The nature of regional differences, developmental changes, pathological abnormalities, and the impact of heredity and environment in shaping body composition are discussed in the context of human evolution. All those concerned with biological anthropology, both clinicians and researchers, will find this book of great interest.
Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Epidemiological indices, anthropometric and cadaver estimates of body composition; 3. Determination of body fat; 4. Determination of body water; 5. Determination of lean tissue; 6. Estimation of bone mass; 7. Regional differences of body composition; 8. Developmental changes, growth and aging; 9. Genetic influences upon body composition; 10. Environmental influences; 11. Pathological disturbances of body composition; 12. Human adaptability and body composition; Glossary; References; Index.
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