CHP Anatomy & Physiology Related to Hijama 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the skin contains the dense network of capillaries that become engorged during hijama cupping?
- Stratum corneum
- Dermis (Correct answer)
- Hypodermis
- Stratum granulosum
Correct answer: Dermis
The dermis houses an extensive capillary network that becomes engorged when negative pressure is applied during cupping.
Question 2: The femoral triangle is a clinically important region for wet hijama. Which structure is NOT a boundary of the femoral triangle?
- Inguinal ligament
- Sartorius muscle
- Adductor longus muscle
- Rectus femoris muscle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rectus femoris muscle
The femoral triangle is bounded by the inguinal ligament superiorly, sartorius laterally, and adductor longus medially — the rectus femoris is not a boundary.
Question 3: During wet hijama, which physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for the localized erythema observed after cup removal?
- Vasoconstriction due to cold
- Reactive hyperemia from vasodilation (Correct answer)
- Lymphatic stasis
- Platelet aggregation
Correct answer: Reactive hyperemia from vasodilation
After the cup is removed, reactive hyperemia causes localized vasodilation and increased blood flow, producing visible erythema.
Question 4: Which spinal nerve roots primarily supply sensory innervation to the upper back region between the scapulae, a common hijama site?
- C4–C6
- T2–T6 (Correct answer)
- T8–T10
- L1–L3
Correct answer: T2–T6
The interscapular region is primarily innervated by the dorsal rami of thoracic spinal nerves T2–T6.
Question 5: What is the role of mast cells in the tissue response to wet hijama scarification?
- They immediately form new collagen fibers
- They release histamine triggering local vasodilation and increased vascular permeability (Correct answer)
- They phagocytose cellular debris
- They produce erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production
Correct answer: They release histamine triggering local vasodilation and increased vascular permeability
Mast cell degranulation releases histamine, which causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability as part of the early inflammatory response.
Question 6: The posterior cervical triangle is bounded by the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and which structure inferiorly?
- Hyoid bone
- Clavicle (Correct answer)
- Thyroid cartilage
- First rib
Correct answer: Clavicle
The posterior cervical triangle is bounded superolaterally by the trapezius, anteromedially by the sternocleidomastoid, and inferiorly by the middle third of the clavicle.
Question 7: Which blood component, when evacuated during wet hijama, is thought by practitioners to contain metabolic waste products?
- Plasma proteins
- Platelets
- Stagnant or congested blood including red blood cells and interstitial fluid (Correct answer)
- White blood cells only
Correct answer: Stagnant or congested blood including red blood cells and interstitial fluid
Hijama theory holds that the evacuated blood contains stagnant red blood cells, plasma, and interstitial fluid that may carry metabolic byproducts.
CHP Anatomy & Physiology Related to Hijama 2
Which layer of the skin contains the dense network of capillaries that become engorged during hijama cupping?