DO DO Anatomy and Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cranial nerve is most closely associated with craniosacral mechanics due to its broad autonomic influence?
- CN I (Olfactory)
- CN X (Vagus) (Correct answer)
- CN VII (Facial)
- CN II (Optic)
Correct answer: CN X (Vagus)
The vagus nerve (CN X) is closely influenced by cranial base mechanics and carries parasympathetic signals to thoracic and abdominal organs.
Question 2: The cisterna chyli is important in osteopathic lymphatic treatment because of which role?
- It is the primary lymphatic valve in the heart
- It is the main collecting reservoir for lymph from the lower body, emptying into the thoracic duct (Correct answer)
- It filters cerebrospinal fluid
- It stores blood for the spleen
Correct answer: It is the main collecting reservoir for lymph from the lower body, emptying into the thoracic duct
The cisterna chyli collects lymph from the lower extremities and abdomen and passes it into the thoracic duct for return to circulation.
Question 3: Lumbar zygapophyseal (facet) joint orientation primarily allows which type of spinal motion?
- Axial rotation and lateral flexion
- Flexion and extension (sagittal plane motion) (Correct answer)
- Equal motion in all planes
- Only axial rotation
Correct answer: Flexion and extension (sagittal plane motion)
Lumbar facets are oriented in the sagittal plane, permitting flexion/extension while significantly limiting axial rotation.
Question 4: The pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2–S4) provide which type of innervation to pelvic organs?
- Sympathetic innervation
- Parasympathetic innervation (Correct answer)
- Somatic motor innervation
- Afferent pain innervation only
Correct answer: Parasympathetic innervation
The pelvic splanchnic nerves from S2–S4 carry parasympathetic fibers to the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs.
Question 5: The occipito-atlantal (OA) joint primarily permits which cervical motion?
- Axial rotation (the 'no' motion)
- Flexion and extension (the 'yes' nodding motion) (Correct answer)
- Equal motion in all planes
- Only sidebending
Correct answer: Flexion and extension (the 'yes' nodding motion)
The OA joint (occiput on atlas) is shaped for flexion/extension (nodding yes), while the AA joint below primarily permits rotation.
Question 6: Increased palpatory skin drag (resistance) over a spinal segment indicates which physiological change?
- Decreased sympathetic activity
- Increased sympathetic (sudomotor) activity causing moisture changes in the skin (Correct answer)
- Peripheral nerve damage
- Normal skin elasticity variation
Correct answer: Increased sympathetic (sudomotor) activity causing moisture changes in the skin
Increased palpatory drag reflects sudomotor (sweat gland) activity from sympathetic activation over a facilitated spinal segment.
DO DO Anatomy and Physiology 2
Which cranial nerve is most closely associated with craniosacral mechanics due to its broad autonomic influence?