Human Anatomy & Biomechanics Flashcards

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve at the wrist?

Answer: Median nerve

The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and is compressed when tunnel pressure rises, causing the pain, numbness, and tingling characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome.

An exaggerated anterior (inward) curvature of the lumbar spine beyond normal limits is clinically described as:

Answer: Hyperlordosis

Hyperlordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lumbar spine that increases compressive loading on posterior facet joints and discs, a common finding in prolonged standing workers.

Which of the following muscles is NOT part of the rotator cuff?

Answer: Deltoid

The rotator cuff comprises supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis; the deltoid is a large, superficial shoulder muscle with a separate function and origin.

Lateral epicondylitis ('tennis elbow') involves degeneration of the common tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle, primarily affecting which muscle group?

Answer: Wrist extensors

Lateral epicondylitis affects the common extensor tendon origin — most often the extensor carpi radialis brevis — at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of neurovascular structures (brachial plexus, subclavian vessels) between:

Answer: The clavicle or first rib and surrounding scalene or pectoralis minor muscles

TOS occurs when the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels are compressed within the thoracic outlet — the space bounded by the clavicle, first rib, and adjacent muscles.

In standing workstation design, standing elbow height is the primary anthropometric reference for setting:

Answer: Work surface height for precision hand tasks

Work surface height is aligned to standing elbow height so that elbows are at or slightly below the surface, keeping the shoulder relaxed and wrists in a neutral posture during fine motor tasks.

Grip strength is standardly quantified in ergonomic and clinical assessments using a:

Answer: Dynamometer

A hand-grip dynamometer measures the force exerted during a maximal grip contraction and is the standard instrument for quantifying grip strength in ergonomic assessments.