NCBTMB Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client presents with pain and tingling radiating from the neck down to the arm and hand. The massage therapist suspects an impingement of the brachial plexus. Which group of spinal nerves forms this plexus?

Accepted Answer

C5-T1

Answer

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, and the first thoracic spinal nerve, T1. This network is responsible for the motor and sensory innervation of the upper limbs, including the shoulder, arm, and hand. Issues in this area can lead to symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness down the arm.

Question 2

During a stretching session, a therapist is explaining proprioception to a client. Which proprioceptor is primarily responsible for sensing changes in muscle tension, thereby protecting the muscle from excessive force by causing it to relax?

Accepted Answer

Golgi Tendon Organ

Answer

The Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO) is a proprioceptive sensory receptor located at the junction between muscle fibers and tendons. Its primary function is to sense changes in muscle tension. When tension becomes too high, the GTO sends a signal that inhibits muscle contraction, causing the muscle to relax as a protective mechanism against injury.

Question 3

A client is performing a bicep curl. This movement, which involves flexion and extension at the elbow, occurs primarily in which anatomical plane?

Accepted Answer

Sagittal Plane

Answer

The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves. Movements that occur in this plane are forward and backward motions, such as flexion and extension. A bicep curl is a classic example of elbow flexion, which takes place directly within the sagittal plane.

Question 4

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), meaning the therapy should not be performed under any circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Congestive Heart Failure

Answer

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is an absolute contraindication for Manual Lymphatic Drainage. MLD increases the volume of fluid returning to the heart, which can overwhelm an already compromised cardiac system and worsen the condition. Other absolute contraindications include acute infections, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), and certain kidney failures.

Question 5

A massage therapist is working with an athlete to improve their range of motion using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. What is the physiological principle behind the 'contract-relax' technique?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating the Golgi tendon organs to cause muscle relaxation.

Answer

PNF stretching techniques, such as 'contract-relax', work by stimulating the Golgi tendon organs (GTOs). When a muscle is isometrically contracted against resistance, the GTOs sense the increase in tension and send signals to the central nervous system, which then causes a reflex relaxation (autogenic inhibition) of the same muscle. This relaxation allows the muscle to be stretched further than it could passively.

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Anatomy and Physiology Questions and Answers