The curious human knee
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-278) and index.

"In this book, science writer Han Yu gives an informative, entertaining, unexpected, and at times humorous examination of the human knee, taking readers on a journey of science, culture, and history. Readers will gain an appreciation for the intricate anatomy of the knee, the reasons it hurts, and the purported remedies. The goal is not to provide a comprehensive list of anatomic features, pathologies, or therapies--this not being a medical textbook or self-help book on "curing thy knee." Rather, the goal is to make readers appreciate that there is a lot unknown, unresolved, and controversial about the knee. In addition, the goal is to open readers' eyes to the surprisingly diverse needs and risks when it comes to the knee: for example, women are different from men, African Americans are different from Caucasians, populations in the East and Middle East are different from those in the West. Yet, humans depend on the knee for bipedal locomotion, a fundamental requirement for being human. Our evolutionary ancestors developed the modern knee before they developed the modern brain and made modern tools. In The Curious Human Knee, the history goes back millions of years, to the rise of ancient humans. It zips back and forth between feudal China and the new China, between their vastly different ways--and philosophies--of living. The book traverses continents, taking readers to Japan to behold knee fighting, to Zimbabwe to lament public officials kneeling to authorities, and to the United States to take a knee on the football field. The human lives unfolded through these times and places are rich, diverse, and fascinating"--,Provided by publisher.