Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Anatomy and Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The muscle primarily responsible for a specific movement is called the:
- Antagonist
- Synergist
- Agonist (prime mover) (Correct answer)
- Fixator
Correct answer: Agonist (prime mover)
The agonist (prime mover) is the muscle primarily responsible for producing a movement.
The agonist (prime mover) contracts to produce the desired movement. The antagonist relaxes and opposes the movement. Synergists assist the agonist, and fixators stabilize the origin of the prime mover.
Question 2: The origin of a muscle is:
- The moving attachment point
- The stationary attachment point (Correct answer)
- The belly of the muscle
- The insertion point
Correct answer: The stationary attachment point
The origin is the more stationary attachment, typically proximal.
Muscle origin is the attachment to the less movable bone (usually proximal). The insertion is the attachment to the more movable bone (usually distal). During contraction, the insertion moves toward the origin.
Question 3: The rotator cuff muscles include all EXCEPT:
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Deltoid (Correct answer)
- Teres minor
Correct answer: Deltoid
The rotator cuff consists of SITS: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis.
The rotator cuff (SITS): Supraspinatus (abduction), Infraspinatus (external rotation), Teres minor (external rotation), Subscapularis (internal rotation). The deltoid is a separate shoulder muscle, not part of the rotator cuff.
Question 4: The femoral artery supplies blood to the:
- Upper arm
- Lower leg and thigh (Correct answer)
- Head and neck
- Abdomen
Correct answer: Lower leg and thigh
The femoral artery is the major blood supply to the lower extremity.
The femoral artery runs through the femoral triangle in the upper thigh and continues as the popliteal artery behind the knee. It's the primary blood supply to the entire lower extremity and an important pulse point.
Question 5: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
- Fight or flight response
- Rest and digest functions (Correct answer)
- Voluntary muscle movement
- Pain sensation only
Correct answer: Rest and digest functions
The parasympathetic system promotes rest, digestion, and energy conservation.
The parasympathetic division (craniosacral) slows heart rate, increases digestion, constricts pupils, and promotes relaxation. In massage therapy, parasympathetic activation is a primary therapeutic goal for stress reduction.
Question 6: Fascia is classified as a type of:
- Muscle tissue
- Connective tissue (Correct answer)
- Nerve tissue
- Epithelial tissue
Correct answer: Connective tissue
Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and other structures.
Fascia is dense connective tissue that forms a continuous web throughout the body. Superficial fascia lies under the skin, deep fascia surrounds muscles (epimysium), and visceral fascia surrounds organs. Myofascial release targets fascial restrictions.
Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination Anatomy and Physiology 2
The muscle primarily responsible for a specific movement is called the: