In the field of medicine and health in general, it is necessary to use a series of measurements on the human body. The data obtained is an important tool to establish a diagnosis and to follow a specific treatment. One of the most used parameters is precisely the body surface, that is, the area of a body.
It is an anthropometric measurement related to two main data: weight and height (sometimes the individual's age data is also used).
How is it calculated?
There are several formulas to specify the body surface or SC. One of them is Mosteller's formula: SC is equal to the square root of weight times height divided by 3600. Two other formulas are also used: SC = weight x 4 +9 / 100 (this formula is normally used for a weight less than 10 kg) and SC = (weight x 4) +7 / (weight +90).
In all measurements the result is expressed in square meters. The data obtained serves as a reference to compare it with the normal values of men, women, neonates and children.
Different applications
The data obtained has all kinds of applications. First, it is very useful for determining the exact doses of a drug, which is especially relevant in the pediatric specialty. Likewise, it is a useful measurement in surgical interventions where the application of anesthesia is necessary or in those patients who need a specific administration of fluids.
Also, it is used in pharmacology, because with the data of the SC, pharmacists can prescribe drugs with the most appropriate doses for each individual. Nutritionists, physical therapists or sports doctors also use the SC values.
On the other hand, this indicator helps to calculate muscle mass. Both parameters allow establishing a strategy in different analyzes related to health, such as thermo-regulatory capacity or protein reserves. Regardless of the usefulness of the CS, it is an anthropometric measurement that has a more useful value than body weight.
The different measurements of the human body are studied in one discipline, anthropometry
Some measurements on the human body are very common in medicine. The best known and simplest are size, weight, size and body surface area. In anthropometry, skin folds, muscle perimeters, and bone diameters are also measured.
Studies in this discipline provide information on body composition or knowledge of the biotype. These measurements are very important in all kinds of areas, but especially in sports preparation.
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