The center of mass for a human body can be determined by a segmental method. Using cadavers, it is possible to determine the mass of individual body segments (as a proportion of total body mass) and the center of mass for each segment (often expressed as a distance from one end of the segment). Finding the overall body center of mass can be a complex calculation, involving more than 10 body segments. Below, we will look at a simplified model that uses just six segments: head, trunk, two arms, and two legs.

 

As a percentage of total body mass, the head is 10%, the two arms are 10%, the trunk is 56%, and the two legs are 24%. The center of mass for each segment is given as an (x,y) coordinate, both units in cm: head = (0, 165), arms = (0, 115), trunk = (0, 95), and legs = (0, 35). Assume the body mass for the individual is 85 kg and their total height is 180 cm. Determine the location of the body's center of mass. Find the x-coordinate and y-coordinate.

 

y X X X