Somatotype
Somatotype
Somatotype (pronunciation: /ˈsəʊmətəʊtaɪp/) is a term used in the field of Anthropology and Physical Education to describe and categorize the human body structure. The concept of somatotype is rooted in the theory of Constitutional Psychology, which was developed by the American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon in the mid-20th century.
Etymology
The term "somatotype" is derived from the Greek words "soma", meaning body, and "typos", meaning type. It was first used in the context of human body types by Sheldon in his 1940 book, "The Varieties of Human Physique".
Definition
A somatotype is a classification of the human body into one of three general types: Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph. These types are based on the relative contribution of three fundamental elements of the body: fat, muscle, and bone.
- Ectomorph: Characterized by a lean and long body, with little body fat and muscle. Ectomorphs are often referred to as being "skinny" and may have difficulty gaining weight or muscle mass.
- Mesomorph: Characterized by a muscular and athletic body. Mesomorphs have a high metabolism and responsive muscle cells, which allows them to gain and lose weight relatively easily.
- Endomorph: Characterized by a high body fat percentage, often appearing round or "stocky". Endomorphs may struggle with weight loss and maintaining a lean physique.
Related Terms
- Body Composition: The physical makeup of the body, including fat, muscle, and bone.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
- Physique: The form or structure of a person's body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Somatotype
- Wikipedia's article - Somatotype
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