Musculoskeletal Anatomy Flashcards

During a squat, the eccentric phase primarily loads which muscle group?

Answer: Quadriceps and gluteus maximus

During the eccentric (lowering) phase of a squat, the quadriceps and gluteus maximus lengthen under load to control knee and hip flexion.

The carpal tunnel is bounded superiorly by the flexor retinaculum and contains which nerve?

Answer: Median nerve

The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve and the flexor tendons; compression of the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Which muscle group is primarily responsible for scapular upward rotation during overhead pressing?

Answer: Serratus anterior and upper/lower trapezius

Scapular upward rotation is a force couple produced by the serratus anterior and the upper and lower trapezius, essential for full overhead mobility.

The lateral longitudinal arch of the foot is supported primarily by which bone?

Answer: Cuboid

The lateral longitudinal arch runs from the calcaneus to the fifth metatarsal and is supported primarily by the cuboid bone.

Which type of muscle fiber has the highest oxidative capacity and is most fatigue-resistant?

Answer: Type I

Type I (slow-twitch) fibers have the highest oxidative capacity, greatest mitochondrial density, and are the most fatigue-resistant, making them ideal for endurance activities.

The thoracolumbar fascia connects which two important structures relevant to lumbar stability?

Answer: Latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus via the posterior layer

The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia creates a mechanical link between the latissimus dorsi and contralateral gluteus maximus, contributing to load transfer across the lumbar spine.

Which structure separates the medial and lateral compartments of the knee and acts as a shock absorber?

Answer: Meniscus

The medial and lateral menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that deepen the tibial plateau, distribute load, and absorb shock within the knee joint.