Mass Distribution Properties of the Male Cadaver

Mass distribution properties of the human body and its fourteen primary segments were measured in three dimensions using six male cadavers. Data collected include anthropometry, weight, center of gravity, and the principal moments of inertia. The principal moments of inertia were computed using a 3 x 3 matrix of values derived from simple pendulum measurements about six non-parallel axes.

Anatomical segmentation procedures used are emphasized and compared with those in previous investigations. In addition, comparisons of the measured data with extant data in the literature on the whole body and its segments are presented and discussed.