Chapter 13, Problem 47A

The human body is more than 50% water. Is it likely that the moon’s gravitational pull causes any significant biological tides—cyclic changes in water flow among the body’s fluid compartments? (Hint: Is any part of your body appreciably closer to the moon than any other part? Is there a difference in lunar pulls?)

To determine

Whether it is likely that gravitational pull of moon causes any significant biological tides.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Tides is the rise and fall of water in oceans majorly due to gravitational pull of moon. There is differential force at the two ends of earth which causes tides.

The upper body is closer to moon than the lower body, there would be differential force at the two ends which would affect the cardiovascular system. During different phases of moon, this affect would vary. The blood pressure, cardiovascular system would be affected most during full moon and new moon.