NCBTMB Applied Science and Anatomy Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client complains of numbness and tingling in their thumb, index finger, and middle finger, which often worsens at night. These symptoms are characteristic of pressure on which of the following nerves?

Accepted Answer

Median nerve

Answer

The symptoms described (numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers) are classic signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Question 2

Which of the following proprioceptors is responsible for detecting the rate of change in muscle length and initiating a reflexive contraction to prevent overstretching?

Accepted Answer

Muscle spindles

Answer

Muscle spindles are sensory receptors located within the muscle belly that detect changes in muscle length and the speed of that change. When a muscle is stretched too quickly or too far, the muscle spindles trigger the myotatic stretch reflex, causing the muscle to contract to prevent injury.

Question 3

The primary biomechanical role of the rotator cuff muscles (SITS) as a group is to:

Accepted Answer

stabilize the glenohumeral joint.

Answer

While individual rotator cuff muscles contribute to rotation and abduction, their main collective function is to compress the head of the humerus into the glenoid fossa, providing dynamic stability to the highly mobile but inherently unstable glenohumeral joint.

Question 4

A client is performing a pushing motion, like a push-up or reaching forward to open a heavy door. Which muscle is the prime mover for the scapular protraction involved in this action?

Accepted Answer

Serratus anterior

Answer

The serratus anterior is the prime mover for protraction of the scapula, which is the action of moving the shoulder blade forward and around the rib cage. The rhomboids and middle trapezius are antagonists to this motion, as they perform scapular retraction.

Question 5

During a massage session, the therapist applies long, gliding strokes directed towards the heart. This technique, known as effleurage, primarily aims to achieve which physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Increase venous and lymphatic return

Answer

The mechanical effect of applying effleurage strokes centripetally (towards the center of the body or heart) is to push deoxygenated blood through the veins and move lymphatic fluid towards lymph nodes. This action enhances circulation and fluid drainage.

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Exam Practice Test

NCBTMB Applied Science and Anatomy Questions and Answers