Abstract
During the latter half of this century biomechanics has made an enormous impact on medicine and biology. This started with the recognition that many tissues within the human body reside in a mechanical environment, i.e. they are subjected to mechanical stresses. Initially the intent was to apply existing knowledge of mechanics to problems arising from medicine and biology. As with all of bioengineering, what has evolved, however, is a true integration of the biology with the mechanics. With this biomechanics has emerged as an important field of endeavor in our attempt to understand basic biological mechanisms, the physiology of the human body, and disease processes. It also has contributed to the development of new clinical treatment strategies and to improved medical devices and implants.
