Why doesn't our body experience equal pressure when we press our finger?

In summary, the human body is not a perfect fluid and is made up of various structures and systems that behave more like solids than liquids. Therefore, when pressure is applied at one point, it does not equally affect the entire body due to differences in elasticity, air pockets, and other factors. This makes it difficult to apply basic physical laws to complex biological systems.
  • #1
aditya ver.2.0
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According to Pascal Law, when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container. Then why doesn't our entire body experiences the same pressure throughout the body when we press our finger. Isn't the entire body filled with fluid, i.e. blood and water?
 
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  • #2
aditya ver.2.0 said:
According to Pascal Law, when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container. Then why doesn't our entire body experiences the same pressure throughout the body when we press our finger. Isn't the entire body filled with fluid, i.e. blood and water?

Our bodies don't behave as perfect fluids. They're covered with skin that stretches differently in different directions, the lungs are full of air which obeys Boyle's law instead of Pascal's, the heart and arteries are working hard at creating pressure differentials throughout the circulatory system, membranes in the kidneys and digestive track do interesting things with osmotic pressures, bones, tendons, and connective tissues are fairly solid...

Modeling the human body as a bag filled with liquid isn't very accurate across a wide range of conditions, including (not coincidentally) those which we most often encounter in daily life.
 
  • #3
But sir, still our body has a large portion of fluid ranging from blood to hormones. So what the problems?
 
  • #4
The problem is, the human body is still not a bag of skin with a bunch of fluid inside. When you move your body, you don't slosh inside, like when you carry a pail half-filled with water. Your bones, organs, muscles, etc. behave closer to solid materials than they do liquids.
 
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  • #5
aditya ver.2.0 said:
But sir, still our body has a large portion of fluid ranging from blood to hormones. So what the problems?

You could model the body as a sausage shaped balloon, full of water (it would need to be contained in some sort of basket or it would form a tear drop shape ). In that model, if you squeezed the top, the pressure at the bottom would also increase.

It is usually very problematical to try to apply simple basic ideas in Physics to complicated biological structures. There are too many variables involved for an accurate answer to be obtained.
 

What is Pascal's Law?

Pascal's Law, also known as the principle of transmission of fluid-pressure, states that a change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted uniformly to every part of the fluid and the walls of the container.

How does Pascal's Law relate to the human body?

In the human body, Pascal's Law explains how blood pressure is distributed evenly throughout the circulatory system, allowing blood to flow to every part of the body. It also helps explain how our muscles and bones work together to support our body weight and move our limbs.

What are some real-life applications of Pascal's Law in the human body?

Some examples of Pascal's Law in the human body include the beating of the heart, breathing, and the movement of joints. It is also crucial in maintaining proper blood pressure, which is essential for proper functioning of the body's organs.

How does understanding Pascal's Law benefit healthcare professionals?

Understanding Pascal's Law is crucial for healthcare professionals as it helps them diagnose and treat conditions related to blood pressure, such as hypertension. It also allows them to better understand the mechanics of the human body and its functions.

What happens if there is a disruption in Pascal's Law in the human body?

If there is a disruption in Pascal's Law in the human body, it can lead to various health issues. For example, a blockage in a blood vessel can disrupt blood pressure and cause damage to the organs that rely on that blood flow. Similarly, a malfunction in the muscles and bones can lead to immobility and difficulty in performing daily tasks.

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