What term describes the application of mechanical forces to living organisms?

The correct term that describes the application of mechanical forces to living organisms is biomechanics. This field combines principles of mechanics with biological systems to study how forces interact with living entities, such as humans during movement. It allows for a better understanding of how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments respond to various physical forces, contributing to our knowledge in areas like sports medicine, rehabilitation, and ergonomic design.

Understanding biomechanics is crucial for athletic training and injury prevention, as it helps professionals analyze motion, identify mechanical imbalances, and develop strategies to enhance performance while minimizing injury risks. This makes biomechanics an essential component in the study and practice of athletic training.

The other terms, while related to health and movement, do not specifically focus on mechanical forces. Dermatology pertains to the study of the skin, kinesiology focuses more broadly on human movement without emphasizing mechanical forces, and physiology studies the functions of living organisms, which does not inherently include the mechanical aspects of movement.