Anatomy & Physiology of Posture Flashcards

Which assessment landmark is used to evaluate pelvic tilt by comparing the ASIS to the PSIS?

Answer: ASIS-PSIS relationship

Comparing the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) determines whether the pelvis is anteriorly or posteriorly tilted.

The erector spinae group consists of three columns. Which is the most medial column?

Answer: Spinalis

The spinalis is the most medial column of the erector spinae, attaching to spinous processes and providing fine spinal extension control.

Which muscle group is responsible for posterior pelvic tilt and is often inhibited in clients with anterior pelvic tilt?

Answer: Gluteus maximus and hamstrings

The gluteus maximus and hamstrings posteriorly tilt the pelvis by extending the hip; they are reciprocally inhibited when hip flexors are chronically shortened.

Scapular winging is most commonly caused by weakness of which muscle?

Answer: Serratus anterior

The serratus anterior holds the scapula against the thoracic wall; weakness allows the medial border to lift away, producing the classic winging appearance.

Which spinal curve is considered a secondary curve that develops when infants begin to bear weight on their lower extremities?

Answer: Lumbar lordosis

Lumbar lordosis is a secondary curve that develops after birth as the child begins standing and walking, adapting to upright loading.

What is the role of the multifidus in postural control?

Answer: Segmental stabilizer providing intersegmental stiffness

The multifidus provides segmental stiffness and fine motor control at each vertebral level, making it a critical intersegmental stabilizer for the lumbar spine.

Prolonged sitting in a slumped position primarily causes adaptive shortening of which muscle?

Answer: Hamstrings and hip flexors

Slumped sitting keeps the hips flexed and the hamstrings in a shortened position, while also tightening the hip flexors due to sustained hip flexion angle.