AFC Anatomy & Physiology for Aerial Fitness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of muscle contraction occurs when an aerial artist holds a static pose in the silks without moving?
- Isotonic concentric
- Isotonic eccentric
- Isometric (Correct answer)
- Isokinetic
Correct answer: Isometric
Isometric contractions occur when the muscle generates force without changing length, as when holding a static aerial position.
Question 2: The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Subscapularis
- Coracobrachialis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Coracobrachialis
The rotator cuff consists of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor — not the coracobrachialis.
Question 3: During an inverted aerial position, blood redistribution primarily increases venous return to the heart due to which force?
- Muscular pump action
- Gravity assisting venous flow toward the heart (Correct answer)
- Increased arterial pressure
- Lymphatic drainage
Correct answer: Gravity assisting venous flow toward the heart
In inversion, gravity assists venous blood flow from the lower extremities toward the heart, increasing venous return.
Question 4: Which vertebral region has the least range of motion in rotation, making it most vulnerable during aerial twisting movements?
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar (Correct answer)
- Sacral
Correct answer: Lumbar
The lumbar spine has the least rotational range of motion due to the orientation of its facet joints, increasing injury risk during twisting.
Question 5: The glenohumeral joint achieves its wide range of motion primarily because the glenoid fossa is:
- A deep ball-and-socket with bony walls
- Shallow and smaller than the humeral head (Correct answer)
- Fused to the clavicle for stability
- Surrounded by thick cortical bone
Correct answer: Shallow and smaller than the humeral head
The glenoid fossa is shallow and covers only about one-third of the humeral head, sacrificing stability for mobility.
Question 6: Which energy system predominates during a high-intensity aerial routine lasting 60–90 seconds?
- Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) system
- Glycolytic (lactic acid) system (Correct answer)
- Oxidative (aerobic) system
- Fatty acid oxidation system
Correct answer: Glycolytic (lactic acid) system
The glycolytic system dominates efforts lasting 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, covering most aerial performance bouts.
Question 7: The thoracolumbar fascia is particularly important in aerial arts because it:
- Directly contracts to extend the spine
- Transfers force between the upper and lower body during dynamic movements (Correct answer)
- Produces synovial fluid for the spine
- Replaces the function of the erector spinae
Correct answer: Transfers force between the upper and lower body during dynamic movements
The thoracolumbar fascia acts as a kinetic link, transmitting forces between the latissimus dorsi, gluteals, and lower limbs during aerial movements.
AFC Anatomy & Physiology for Aerial Fitness 2
Which type of muscle contraction occurs when an aerial artist holds a static pose in the silks without moving?