Free Massage Therapist Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client presents with pain and weakness when attempting to initiate abduction of the arm. Which of the following rotator cuff muscles is most likely affected?
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
- Supraspinatus (Correct answer)
- Infraspinatus
Correct answer: Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus muscle is responsible for the first 0-15 degrees of abduction of the arm at the shoulder joint. Difficulty and pain during the initiation of this movement strongly indicate an issue with this specific muscle. The other rotator cuff muscles have different primary functions: infraspinatus and teres minor are primary external rotators, and the subscapularis is the primary internal rotator.
Question 2: A client is experiencing tightness in their calf and has difficulty pointing their toes. Which physiological action is being restricted?
- Dorsiflexion
- Plantar flexion (Correct answer)
- Inversion
- Eversion
Correct answer: Plantar flexion
Plantar flexion is the movement of pointing the toes downward, away from the shin, which is controlled by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf. Tightness in these muscles would restrict this motion. Dorsiflexion is the opposite movement, bringing the toes toward the shin. Inversion and eversion refer to tilting the sole of the foot inward and outward, respectively.
Question 3: During a massage, applying sustained pressure at the musculotendinous junction stimulates a specific proprioceptor, leading to a reflex relaxation of the muscle. What is this proprioceptor called?
- Golgi tendon organ (Correct answer)
- Muscle spindle
- Pacinian corpuscle
- Ruffini ending
Correct answer: Golgi tendon organ
The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is a sensory receptor located at the junction between a muscle and its tendon. It is sensitive to changes in muscle tension. When stimulated by increased tension (either from contraction or sustained stretch/pressure), it sends a signal that inhibits muscle contraction, causing it to relax. This is a protective mechanism to prevent injury. Muscle spindles, in contrast, are sensitive to changes in muscle length.
Question 4: A massage therapist is performing light, gliding strokes in the direction of lymph flow to assist in reducing edema. Which body system is primarily being targeted?
- Circulatory system
- Nervous system
- Integumentary system
- Lymphatic system (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. A primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. Light, rhythmic massage techniques, known as manual lymphatic drainage, are specifically designed to stimulate the flow of lymph and reduce swelling (edema).
Question 5: Which of the following bones is part of the axial skeleton?
- Scapula
- Femur
- Sacrum (Correct answer)
- Humerus
Correct answer: Sacrum
The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and includes the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. The sacrum, which is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae, is part of the vertebral column. The scapula, femur, and humerus are all parts of the appendicular skeleton, which consists of the limbs and the girdles that attach them to the axial skeleton.
Question 6: A client describes a 'winged scapula,' where the medial border of the shoulder blade protrudes from the back. This condition is most often associated with weakness or paralysis of which muscle?
- Rhomboids
- Trapezius
- Serratus anterior (Correct answer)
- Latissimus dorsi
Correct answer: Serratus anterior
The serratus anterior muscle is responsible for protracting the scapula and holding its medial border firmly against the rib cage. When this muscle is weak or the long thoracic nerve that innervates it is damaged, the opposing muscles can pull the scapula medially and superiorly, causing the medial border to lift away from the back, a condition known as a 'winged scapula'.
Free Massage Therapist Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers
A client presents with pain and weakness when attempting to initiate abduction of the arm.
Which of the following rotator cuff muscles is most likely affected?