Massage Therapist Kinesiology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle group is responsible for lateral flexion of the trunk?
- Rectus abdominis
- Quadratus lumborum (Correct answer)
- Transverse abdominis
- Multifidus
Correct answer: Quadratus lumborum
The quadratus lumborum is a primary lateral flexor of the trunk, also assisting in hip elevation and lumbar extension.
Question 2: What type of lever system is most common in the human body?
- First-class lever
- Second-class lever
- Third-class lever (Correct answer)
- Fourth-class lever
Correct answer: Third-class lever
Third-class levers are most common in the body; the effort (muscle) is between the fulcrum (joint) and the load, producing speed and range of motion.
Question 3: Scapular upward rotation is primarily produced by which muscles working together?
- Rhomboids and levator scapulae
- Serratus anterior and upper/lower trapezius (Correct answer)
- Pectoralis minor and subclavius
- Rhomboids and pectoralis major
Correct answer: Serratus anterior and upper/lower trapezius
Upward rotation of the scapula is produced by a force couple between the serratus anterior and the upper and lower fibers of the trapezius.
Question 4: Which term describes a movement that decreases the joint angle between two bones?
- Extension
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Abduction
- Rotation
Correct answer: Flexion
Flexion decreases the angle between bones at a joint, such as bending the elbow or knee.
Question 5: The pectoralis major performs which action at the glenohumeral joint?
- Shoulder abduction and lateral rotation
- Shoulder extension and medial rotation
- Shoulder horizontal adduction and medial rotation (Correct answer)
- Shoulder elevation and retraction
Correct answer: Shoulder horizontal adduction and medial rotation
The pectoralis major performs horizontal adduction and medial (internal) rotation of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint.
Question 6: Which muscle is the primary wrist extensor on the radial side of the forearm?
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- Extensor carpi radialis longus (Correct answer)
- Flexor digitorum superficialis
Correct answer: Extensor carpi radialis longus
The extensor carpi radialis longus is a primary wrist extensor located on the radial (lateral) side of the forearm.
Question 7: During normal gait, which muscle group acts eccentrically to control the rate of knee flexion at initial contact?
- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps (Correct answer)
- Gastrocnemius
- Hip abductors
Correct answer: Quadriceps
The quadriceps contract eccentrically at initial contact to control the rate of knee flexion and absorb ground reaction forces.
Which muscle group is responsible for lateral flexion of the trunk?