Anatomy and Kinesiology Flashcards

A client presents with anterior pelvic tilt. Which pair of muscles would a massage therapist most likely find to be tight and shortened?

Answer: Iliopsoas and rectus femoris

An anterior pelvic tilt is often associated with a shortening and tightening of the hip flexor muscles (iliopsoas and rectus femoris) and the lumbar extensors. Conversely, the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) and hip extensors (gluteus maximus and hamstrings) are typically lengthened and weakened.

Which of the following is the primary muscle responsible for the first 15-30 degrees of shoulder abduction?

Answer: Supraspinatus

The supraspinatus muscle, one of the rotator cuff muscles, is responsible for initiating abduction of the arm at the glenohumeral joint. After the initial 15-30 degrees, the middle deltoid becomes the primary mover for abduction.

A client complains of pain and weakness when trying to turn a doorknob or use a screwdriver (supination of the forearm). Which muscle is most likely affected?

Answer: Biceps brachii

The biceps brachii is a powerful supinator of the forearm, especially when the elbow is flexed. The pronator teres performs pronation, the opposite action. While brachioradialis flexes the elbow, its role in supination is secondary. The flexor carpi ulnaris flexes and adducts the wrist.

During a postural assessment, you observe that a client's head is in a protracted, or 'forward head,' position. Which of the following muscles are likely to be elongated and weak?

Answer: Deep cervical flexors and rhomboids

In forward head posture, the deep cervical flexors (longus colli and capitis) become stretched and weak. Simultaneously, muscles in the back of the neck and upper back, such as the suboccipitals, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae, become tight and shortened. The rhomboids, which retract the scapula, are also often weak, contributing to the rounded shoulder posture that frequently accompanies a forward head.

The movement of shaking your head 'no' primarily occurs in which plane of motion?

Answer: Transverse (Horizontal)

The transverse, or horizontal, plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Rotational movements, such as shaking the head 'no' (cervical rotation), occur within this plane.

Which type of muscle contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens under tension?

Answer: Eccentric

An eccentric contraction is when the muscle elongates while under tension, acting as a brake against a force. A concentric contraction involves the muscle shortening, and an isometric contraction involves tension without a change in muscle length.