Bone Stress

There are two bones in this exhibit; one is a real human femur and the other is a plastic model of a human femur. The bones are identical in dimension, and the human femur is displayed in cross-section so that it is possible to see the inner structure of the bone. By pulling down on a lever, weight is placed on the plastic model bone, allowing visitors to see the stress areas in the bone very clearly. Ultimately, it is shown that the actual bone has developed most of its strength and structure in exactly those areas of highest stress.

For Information About Exhibit Sales:

Kua Patten
Exhibit Services Director
kpatten@exploratorium.edu
+1 415-353-0409 (phone)

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