ABSTRACT
Body systems are inter-related anatomical structures which combine into a functional whole and perform specific physiologic functions. Body tissues include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, lymphatic, skeletal, muscular, neurological, reproductive, urinary, and integumentary (skin). Basic anatomical terms concerning bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, fat, the genitals, and body organs (brain, heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, uterus) and all their associated structures and functions are essential knowledge for wearable product designers. Products may be designed to enhance, assist, restrict, and/or replace some elements of systems. Everyday clothing can serve many purposes—modesty, warmth, comfort, and appearance enhancement. Eyeglasses may compliment a person’s appearance while correcting vision. Compression garments, e.g. lymphedema sleeves, can assist the body’s lymphatic system. Braces support or restrict a body part, and a prosthetic replaces a body part. Learning how to observe, evaluate, and measure system components in static and dynamic forms will facilitate approaches to designing for human anatomy with all its integrated systems. Designing for body motions requires range of motion (ROM) knowledge. Information about skin structure and function and fat (adipose) tissue distribution provides insight into the body form.
