title: Effects of weightlessness on astronauts--a summary.
abstract: This paper reviews the adaptive changes observed in the United States astronauts during flight programs to this date. A series of postulates are offered as to what is happening in these adaptive events. A hypothesis is proposed as to the interrelationship of events observed in the body systems and functions involved. The importance of undertaking an extensive life sciences program. including an on-orbit phase of study as well as pre- and post-flight studies is discussed. Finally, the role the Skylab flight plays in the United States Space Program in achieving the future requirements for more extensive life sciences data is summarized.
authors.affiliation: Office of Manned Spaceflight, Headquarters NASA, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Hessberg
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D015519:Bone Density; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D018493:Cardiovascular Deconditioning; D004911:Erythrocyte Volume; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D018478:Extravehicular Activity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D013026:Space Flight; D015431:Weight Loss; D014893:Weightlessness
chemical_list: D009584:Nitrogen; D002118:Calcium