Why we are into the human foot so much – why Leonardo Da Vinci is our guy?
Why we are into the human foot so much – why Leonardo Da Vinci is our guy?
Humans possess a distinctive characteristic that distinguishes them from other species: an upright bipedal gait, a unique mode of movement attributed to specific features in the human foot, including the bony architecture of the arch, heel, and big toe. Anthropologists assert that these foot features played a crucial role in the evolution of Homo Erectus, enabling them to stand upright.
Leonardo da Vinci described the human foot as both “a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”, emphasizing its significance in connecting modern humans to the ground. Some researchers suggest that the evolution of an upright posture in humans, allowed the hands to develop and therefore contributed to the development of more complex brains.
While the brain’s expansion post-dated the foot’s evolution by several million years, bipedal stances influenced various aspects of body shape, affecting the development of buttocks, legs, thighs, hips, abdominal musculature, and breasts. The foot, comprising 28 bones, 33 joints, over 100 ligaments, muscles, and tendons, serves three distinct functions: acting as a suspension to dampen vibrations, adapting to uneven terrain for balance, and transforming into a rigid lever for dynamic activities like walking and running. Additionally, it safeguards sensitive nerves and vessels in contact with the ground.
It is worth noting that despite advancements in material technology and artificial intelligence, robotics science struggles to replicate the intricate functions of the human limb, hindering the creation of humanoid robots with natural and seamless movements across diverse surfaces and terrains.
References
- Elftman H, Manter J. The Evolution of the Human Foot, with Especial Reference to the Joints. J Anat. 1935;70(Pt 1):56-67.
- Vereecke EE, D’Aout K, Payne R, Aerts P. Functional analysis of the foot and ankle myology of gibbons and bonobos. J Anat. 2005;206(5):453-476.
- Hicks JH. The mechanics of the foot. I. The joints. J Anat. 1953;87(4):345-357.
- Holowka NB, O’Neill MC, Thompson NE, Demes B. Chimpanzee and human midfoot motion during bipedal walking and the evolution of the longitudinal arch of the foot. J Hum Evol. 2017;104:23-31.
