Introduction to Ergonomics Module 1

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Questions and Answers

What are the two Greek words that the term ergonomics is derived from?

Ergon and Nomos

What does ergonomics primarily focus on?

Reducing costs of production

Enhancing productivity of machines

Optimizing human well-being (correct)

Designing buildings

Ergonomics is biased towards either employers or workers.

False

Which of these tasks is one of the primary functions of ergonomics?

Determining human traits for engineering design Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Human Factors Engineering' refer to?

Human-centered design Signup and view all the answers

What components are essential in the study of ergonomics?

Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Improving physical 'fit' between people and things is related to ______.

Anatomy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disciplines is NOT associated with ergonomics?

Marketing Specialists Signup and view all the answers

Name one major ancient project that required ergonomic considerations.

Building pyramids in Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the relationship of body parts positioned toward the front of the body?

Anterior Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Superior' indicate in anatomical terminology?

Above or higher than another part of the body Signup and view all the answers

In anatomical terms, which of the following correctly describes the position of the toes relative to the foot?

The toes are anterior to the foot Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical term is used to describe a position that is closer to the midline of the body?

Medial Signup and view all the answers

What defines the standard anatomical position?

Standing upright with arms at the sides and palms facing forward Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a position that is farther from the trunk of the body within a limb?

Distal Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections?

Coronal Plane Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'superficial' refer to in anatomical terminology?

Closer to the surface of the body Signup and view all the answers

In anatomical terminology, what does the term 'proximal' signify?

Nearer to the point of attachment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms would be used to describe a section that divides the body into left and right halves?

Sagittal Plane Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Ergonomics?

Derived from Greek: "Ergon" (work) and "Nomos" (laws).
Scientific discipline focusing on optimizing human well-being and system performance.
Neutral perspective, considering both employers' and workers' viewpoints.

Human-Centered Design

Emphasis on interaction between humans and their environment, encompassing:
- Physical aspects: physical layout, tool design.
- Psychological aspects: user comfort, mental workload.
Also referred to as Human Factors Engineering.

Key Tasks in Ergonomics

Identify human traits critical for engineering design.
Integrate knowledge into the design of tools, machines, and work environments tailored to human needs.
Monitor and evaluate human performance with equipment to assess and facilitate improvements.

Historical Perspective on Ergonomics

Originated with ancient tool-making, reshaping items for optimal task suitability.
Evolution included protective clothing and communal skills.
Historical projects: Pyramid construction in Egypt emphasized the need for efficient work practices.

Development Through Time

Training for laborers and soldiers became crucial.
Major historical initiatives, including:
- Development of organized labor for large-scale projects.
- Roman soldier training focused on enhancing physical capabilities.

Disciplines of Ergonomics

Involves interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists such as:
- Design and Production Engineers.
- Industrial Designers and Computer Specialists.
- Health and Safety Practitioners.

Components of Ergonomics

Anatomy: Focus on physical fit between humans and tools/workplaces, involving:
- Anthropometrics: measurement of human body dimensions.
- Biomechanics: study of body movement.
Physiology:
- Work physiology addresses energy expenditure, heart rate, and exertion levels.
- Environmental physiology covers effects of thermal conditions, lighting, noise, and vibration.
Psychology:
- Involves sensory processing, perception, memory, decision-making, and responses to stimuli.

Assignment Resources

In-depth readings on the history of Ergonomics.
Videos on the historical context of Human Factors and Ergonomics in design.
Resources to be made available on Canvas alongside the course syllabus.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that explores the internal and external structures of the body and their relationships.
The term "anatomy" comes from ancient Greek words meaning "up" (ἀνά) and "I cut" (τέμνω).
Physiology, also a branch of biology and medicine, studies how the body functions and the activities of living organisms.
The word "physiology" derives from the Greek for "nature, origin" (φύσις) and "study of" (-λογία).

Anatomical Terminology

Standard Anatomical Position:
- Human body standing upright with arms at the sides, elbows extended, palms facing forward, fingers extended, thumbs away from the body, feet slightly parallel, and toes oriented forward.
Directional Terms:
- Anterior (Ventral): Front of the body (e.g., toes are anterior to the foot).
- Posterior (Dorsal): Back of the body (e.g., popliteus is posterior to the patella).
- Superior (Cranial): Above another body part (e.g., orbits are superior to the oris).
- Inferior (Caudal): Below another body part (e.g., pelvis is inferior to the abdomen).
- Lateral: Away from the midline of the body (e.g., pollex is lateral to digits).
- Medial: Towards the midline of the body (e.g., torso is medial to arms).
- Proximal: Nearer to the trunk or point of attachment (e.g., brachium is proximal to antebrachium).
- Distal: Farther from the trunk or point of attachment (e.g., crus is distal to femur).
- Superficial: Closer to the body surface (e.g., skin is superficial to bones).
- Deep: Farther from the surface (e.g., brain is deep to skull).

Anatomical Planes

Anatomical planes are used to divide the human body or organs into sections by passing a 2-dimensional plane through them.
Sagittal Plane:
- Divides the body vertically into left and right sides.
- Midsagittal/median plane cuts down the middle.
- Parasagittal/longitudinal plane is any other vertical division.
Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane):
- Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Transverse Plane:
- Divides the body horizontally into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.
- Produces cross-sectional images.

Basic Anatomical Regions

The human body is divided into five main regions for detailed study in regional anatomy.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of ergonomics, including its definition and its significance in optimizing human well-being and system performance. Explore the principles and theories that guide ergonomic design and the interaction of humans with their environment.