PAS Anatomy & Physiology of Posture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is considered the primary hip flexor and plays a major role in anterior pelvic tilt?
- Gluteus maximus
- Iliopsoas (Correct answer)
- Rectus femoris
- Sartorius
Correct answer: Iliopsoas
The iliopsoas (iliacus + psoas major) is the primary hip flexor and, when shortened, pulls the lumbar spine and pelvis into anterior tilt.
Question 2: The thoracic spine normally exhibits which type of curvature in the sagittal plane?
- Lordosis
- Kyphosis (Correct answer)
- Scoliosis
- Neutral
Correct answer: Kyphosis
The thoracic spine has a normal kyphotic (posterior convex) curve averaging 20–40 degrees.
Question 3: Which connective tissue structure runs along the posterior aspect of the spine and limits hyperextension?
- Anterior longitudinal ligament
- Ligamentum flavum
- Posterior longitudinal ligament (Correct answer)
- Supraspinous ligament
Correct answer: Posterior longitudinal ligament
The posterior longitudinal ligament runs inside the vertebral canal along the posterior vertebral bodies, resisting hyperflexion and limiting disc herniation posteriorly.
Question 4: A client presents with elevated and protracted scapulae. Which muscle pair is most likely overactive?
- Lower trapezius and serratus anterior
- Upper trapezius and levator scapulae (Correct answer)
- Rhomboids and middle trapezius
- Infraspinatus and teres minor
Correct answer: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae
Upper trapezius and levator scapulae elevate and upwardly rotate the scapula; chronic overactivity leads to a protracted, elevated position.
Question 5: Which term describes the postural deviation where the head translates forward relative to the shoulders?
- Cervical lordosis
- Forward head posture (Correct answer)
- Thoracic kyphosis
- Cranial extension
Correct answer: Forward head posture
Forward head posture occurs when the head translates anteriorly beyond the plumb line, increasing mechanical load on cervical extensors.
Question 6: The piriformis muscle, when tight, can compress which nerve causing symptoms down the posterior leg?
- Femoral nerve
- Obturator nerve
- Sciatic nerve (Correct answer)
- Pudendal nerve
Correct answer: Sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve passes beneath (or through) the piriformis; piriformis tightness can compress it, producing piriformis syndrome with radiating posterior leg pain.
Question 7: In a plumb-line assessment, a properly aligned knee joint should be positioned slightly:
- Anterior to the hip and ankle
- At the same vertical line as the ear and ankle (Correct answer)
- Posterior to the plumb line
- Directly over the second metatarsal
Correct answer: At the same vertical line as the ear and ankle
In ideal sagittal alignment, the plumb line passes through the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and lateral malleolus on the same vertical axis.
PAS Anatomy & Physiology of Posture 2
Which muscle is considered the primary hip flexor and plays a major role in anterior pelvic tilt?