Caliper
Caliper
Caliper (/ˈkælɪpər/), also spelled calliper, is a device used in the medical field for precise measurement of the distance between two opposite sides of an object.
Etymology
The term "caliper" comes from the Latin word caliper, meaning "to measure".
Usage
In the medical field, a caliper is often used to measure the thickness of skinfolds to determine body fat percentage. It can also be used in orthopedics to measure the size of bones or the distance between two points on a bone.
Types of Calipers
There are several types of calipers used in medicine, including:
- Vernier caliper: This type of caliper has a main scale and a sliding secondary scale. It is used for precise measurements.
- Dial caliper: This type of caliper has a circular dial with a pointer on a free-moving, but gear-linked, linear scale.
- Digital caliper: This type of caliper has an electronic display. It is often used for taking quick and accurate measurements.
Related Terms
- Body fat percentage: This is the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, times 100. It can be measured using a caliper.
- Orthopedics: This is the branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles. A caliper is often used in this field for measurements.
- Measurement: This is the assignment of a number to a characteristic of an object or event, which can be compared with other objects or events. A caliper is a tool used for this purpose.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Caliper
- Wikipedia's article - Caliper
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