Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals Flashcards

In AK, the psoas muscle weakness is most commonly associated with dysfunction in which organ system?

Answer: Kidneys and adrenal glands

In the AK organ-muscle relationship framework, the psoas major is associated with the kidneys and adrenal glands.

The anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine primarily resists which motion?

Answer: Extension

The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the anterior vertebral bodies and limits hyperextension of the spine.

Which type of muscle fiber contracts slowly, is highly resistant to fatigue, and is predominant in postural muscles?

Answer: Type I (slow oxidative)

Type I (slow-twitch) fibers have high oxidative capacity and mitochondrial density, making them ideal for sustained postural activity.

A patient presents with weakness of hip abduction. Which muscle is most likely primarily inhibited?

Answer: Gluteus medius

The gluteus medius is the primary hip abductor and its inhibition is a common clinical finding in AK assessment of pelvic dysfunction.

The thoracolumbar fascia plays a critical role in force transfer during lifting because it connects:

Answer: The erector spinae to the gluteus maximus via the posterior layer

The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia allows force transfer between the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and latissimus dorsi during functional movements.

Reciprocal inhibition occurs when contraction of an agonist muscle causes:

Answer: Inhibition of the direct antagonist via Ia afferent interneurons

Ia afferents from the agonist's muscle spindle synapse on inhibitory interneurons that suppress the antagonist, allowing smooth movement.

Which vertebral level corresponds to the origin of the phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm?

Answer: C3–C5

The phrenic nerve arises from cervical spinal levels C3, C4, and C5, remembered by the mnemonic 'C3, 4, 5 keep the diaphragm alive.'