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The Mystery of Bones: Why Does Our Skeleton Stop Changing as Adults?
The shape of the human body is a complex and delicate phenomenon, with a myriad of variations in details and functions. An individual's appearance is primarily determined by the shape of his or her bone structure, the distribution of muscle, and the accumulation of fat. Surprisingly, the growth and changes in these skeletal structures are limited to the period before humans reach adulthood, after which they remain largely unchanged. Scientific research shows that bone growth usually ends between the ages of 13 and 18, and as the bone plates at the ends of the long bones close, further growth is no longer possible.
PhysiologyThe body shapes of different genders are closely related to their cultural backgrounds, especially the body shapes of women, which have a complex cultural history.
During puberty, the physical differences between males and females become apparent, which is necessary for reproduction. In adults, muscle mass may change due to exercise, and fat distribution may change due to hormonal fluctuations. In addition, genetic genes also play an important role in the development of body shape. The physiological mechanisms and influences behind the sexual characteristics of men and women are extremely profound.
Facial features
Due to the effects of testosterone, males may develop more pronounced facial bone features during puberty, such as:
- More prominent brow bone
- Larger nasal bone
- Heavier jaw
Female facial features are limited by about 1/15 of the testosterone in male bodies, so female facial features are generally closer to the appearance of immature children.
Bone structure
Bone structure is fundamental to the body's overall shape and does not change significantly during adulthood. Generally speaking, men are taller than women, but body shape can be analyzed after normalizing for height. The length of bones remains the same in adulthood, but the angles of the joints change as the bones move.
Female characteristics
A woman's pelvis widens during puberty, with estrogen promoting pelvic expansion as part of sex differentiation. Therefore, women usually have a wider pelvis to accommodate the needs of childbirth.
Male characteristics
The expansion of the shoulders and chest during puberty in men is closely related to the influence of testosterone.
Fat Distribution, Muscle and Tissue
The shape of the human body is influenced by the distribution of fat, which in turn is related to the current levels of sex hormones. Unlike bone structure, the distribution of muscle and fat can change with eating habits, exercise patterns and hormone levels.
Estrogen causes women to store fat mainly in the buttocks, thighs and legs. With age and the arrival of menopause, the distribution of fat changes.
Weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect the shape and posture of the human body, which in turn changes the way you walk. Weight is usually measured using the body mass index (BMI). The BMI range of values categorizes a person as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.
Body posture and gait
Body shape affects posture and gait, and to a certain extent affects physical attractiveness. This is mainly because the shape of the body hints at hormone levels during puberty, which in turn hints at fertility. Good posture helps improve the health and fitness of the body.
Health Effects
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, an "apple-shaped" body with a larger waistline carries a higher health risk than a "pear-shaped" body that stores excess fat in the hips and thighs. The accumulation of abdominal fat is closely associated with the incidence of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Among these physical characteristics, different cultural and social concepts shape our definition and expectations of beauty. In this light, have you ever considered that the mystery of the human skeleton is actually not only a physiological generation, but also part of a cultural process?
