Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle group is primarily responsible for lateral flexion of the vertebral column?
- Quadratus lumborum (Correct answer)
- Rectus abdominis
- Erector spinae
- Psoas major
Correct answer: Quadratus lumborum
The quadratus lumborum is the primary muscle responsible for lateral flexion of the lumbar spine.
Question 2: What type of joint is the glenohumeral joint?
- Ball-and-socket (Correct answer)
- Hinge
- Pivot
- Saddle
Correct answer: Ball-and-socket
The glenohumeral (shoulder) joint is a ball-and-socket joint allowing movement in multiple planes.
Question 3: Which cranial nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles?
- Accessory nerve (CN XI) (Correct answer)
- Vagus nerve (CN X)
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- Facial nerve (CN VII)
Correct answer: Accessory nerve (CN XI)
The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) provides motor innervation to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
Question 4: What is the primary function of synovial fluid within a joint capsule?
- Reduce friction and nourish cartilage (Correct answer)
- Produce red blood cells
- Transmit nerve impulses
- Store calcium for bone repair
Correct answer: Reduce friction and nourish cartilage
Synovial fluid lubricates articular cartilage to reduce friction and delivers nutrients to avascular cartilage tissue.
Question 5: Which structure passes through the carpal tunnel along with the flexor tendons?
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Median nerve
The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel and its compression causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
Question 6: During deep tissue massage of the posterior thigh, which muscle group is being primarily addressed?
- Hamstrings (Correct answer)
- Quadriceps
- Adductors
- Gluteals
Correct answer: Hamstrings
The hamstrings (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus) occupy the posterior compartment of the thigh.
Massage Therapist Massage Therapist Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers 2
Which muscle group is primarily responsible for lateral flexion of the vertebral column?