Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Injury Assessment Flashcards

What is the primary function of the rotator cuff muscles?

Answer: To stabilize the shoulder joint

The rotator cuff muscles are a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Their primary function is to provide dynamic stability to the highly mobile glenohumeral joint, allowing for a wide range of motion while keeping the humeral head centered in the glenoid fossa.

What muscle is responsible for the extension of the knee?

Answer: Quadriceps

The quadriceps femoris is a large muscle group located on the front of the thigh, consisting of four individual muscles. Its primary action is to extend the knee joint, which is essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping.

Which of the following is a common injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?

Answer: Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament in the knee that provides stability. It is most commonly injured by sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct impact, often resulting in a partial or complete tear rather than a sprain, fracture, or contusion.

What is the primary role of ligaments in the musculoskeletal system?

Answer: To connect bones and stabilize joints

Ligaments are strong, fibrous connective tissues that primarily connect bones to other bones. Their crucial role is to provide stability to joints, limiting excessive or undesirable movements and helping to maintain proper alignment of the skeletal structure.

Which injury is most commonly associated with the lumbar spine?

Answer: Sprain

The lumbar spine, or lower back, is highly susceptible to sprains, which involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments. This often occurs due to sudden movements, heavy lifting, or poor posture, leading to pain and limited mobility in the lower back.

Which of the following is a major muscle of the posterior thigh?

Answer: Hamstrings

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus) located on the posterior aspect of the thigh. They are primarily responsible for knee flexion and hip extension, making them a major muscle group in this region.

What type of joint is the shoulder joint?

Answer: Ball-and-socket joint

The shoulder joint, specifically the glenohumeral joint, is classified as a ball-and-socket joint. This anatomical structure, where the rounded head of the humerus fits into the cup-like glenoid fossa of the scapula, allows for the greatest range of motion in the body, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction.

Which part of the body is commonly affected by tennis elbow?

Answer: Elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by overuse and repetitive strain of the forearm extensor muscles and their tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

What is the term for the inflammation of a bursa?

Answer: Bursitis

A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. Bursitis is the inflammation of one of these bursae, typically caused by repetitive motion or direct trauma, leading to pain and swelling in the affected joint.