Mathematical studies are present in several areas of human knowledge. In medicine, specifically in Physiology, doctors have developed a mathematical equation responsible for determining the surface area of a human being's body. The study involves an important organ of the human body, as the skin is the protective layer of our muscles and it is through it that some substances, together with sweat, are eliminated. The skin is also responsible for maintaining body temperature, storing nutrients and holding sensitive nerve endings.
This formula aims to determine the amount of sweat (fluid) expelled during physical activities. It is also used to monitor people with problems with gaining and losing body mass. The expression used in determining the surface area of an adult human body in square meters is given by:
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Example 1
An individual weighing 82 kg and 1.86 meters tall has the following body surface area:
Example 2
What is the surface area of a woman's body at 65 kg and 1.68 meters tall.
According to studies carried out, the surface area of the human body considered normal is approximately: 1.6 m² for women and 1.9 m² for men.
by Mark Noah
Graduated in Mathematics
Brazil School Team
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SILVA, Marcos Noé Pedro da. "Surface Area of a Human Body"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/matematica/area-superficie-um-corpo-humano.htm. Accessed on June 29, 2021.
