Human height

Human Height

Human height or stature is the distance from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head in a human body, standing erect. It is measured using a stadiometer, usually in centimetres when using the metric system, or feet and inches when using the imperial system.

Pronunciation

• /ˈhjuːmən haɪt/

Etymology

The term "Human" comes from the Latin word "humanus", meaning "of man" or "characteristic of mankind". "Height" is derived from the Old English "hiehþu", from Proto-Germanic "*hihþō", from PIE "*kewk-", meaning "to bend, curve, arch".

Related Terms

• Anthropometry
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Growth Chart
• Stadiometer
• Genetics
• Nutrition

Definition

Human height is a characteristic of humans that is measured from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head when a person is standing erect. It is a key anthropometric measure. Factors that influence human height include genetics, nutrition, and health factors.

Factors Influencing Human Height

Human height is determined by a range of factors, the most significant being genetics. Other factors include nutrition, health conditions, and hormonal factors.

• Genetics: Genetics is the most significant factor that determines human height. It is estimated that about 60-80% of the difference in height between individuals is determined by genetic factors.

• Nutrition: Nutrition, particularly during childhood and adolescence, is another significant factor that influences height. A balanced diet that includes essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can promote growth and development, thereby influencing height.

• Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, particularly during childhood and adolescence, can affect height. Conditions such as growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other genetic conditions can result in shorter stature. Conversely, conditions such as gigantism and acromegaly can result in taller stature.

• Hormonal Factors: Hormones, particularly growth hormone and thyroid hormones, play a crucial role in growth and development, thereby influencing height.

See Also

• Short Stature
• Tall Stature
• Growth Hormone Deficiency
• Turner Syndrome
• Gigantism
• Acromegaly

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Human height
• Wikipedia's article - Human height

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