492 



HEIGHT AND WEIGHT IN RELATION TO BUILD 



head to the level of the larynx, of the trunk below the level of the larynx, of the 

 lower extremities to the crotch, and of the upper extremities, are estimated as 

 follows in each of the three individuals: 



TABLE 3. 



Subsequent to the stage represented by the figure of the youth, the growth in 

 stature of the average American adolescent is 4.5 to 5 inches and usually full 

 stature is nearly reached before the age of 20. The average American woman does 

 not exceed in stature that shown by the youth. At 15 she is usually an inch shorter 

 and reaches full height about 2 years before the man. For some years in both sexes 

 after full stature is reached the body continues to increase in girth, through muscu- 

 lar development. Subsequently it usually increases through adiposity. In old age 

 there is decrease in stature, which may amount to 3 cm. or more at age 70 and is 

 more marked in tall than in short individuals, and in women than in men (Man- 

 ouvrier, 1902) . This decrease in stature is said to be due mainly to loss in elasticity 

 in the intervertebral disks. The lower extremities become relatively long. There is 

 also usually a retrograde metamorphosis in the musculature. Figure 2 represents 

 the proportions of the body of a man and of a woman, each about the age of 30, of 

 average stature and weight, and of an old man 60 to 70 years of age. The propor- 

 tions of maturity and old age may thus be compared with the proportions of the 

 body in infancy, childhood, and early adolescence. From the standpoint of relative 

 volume these proportions may be expressed as follows : 



TABLE 4. 



