Clinical Knowledge and Theory Flashcards

Which dermatome corresponds to sensation over the lateral aspect of the foot and little toe?

Answer: S1

The S1 dermatome supplies the lateral foot, little toe, and posterior calf.

A patient presents with a positive Thomas test. Which structure is most likely shortened?

Answer: Hip flexors (iliopsoas)

The Thomas test assesses iliopsoas (hip flexor) flexibility; a positive result indicates hip flexor tightness causing the tested hip to flex off the table.

Which type of muscle fiber is primarily recruited during high-intensity, short-duration activities such as sprinting?

Answer: Type IIx (fast glycolytic)

Type IIx fibers have the highest contraction speed and rely on anaerobic glycolysis, making them dominant in maximal short-burst efforts.

The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately:

Answer: -70 mV

The resting membrane potential of most neurons is approximately -70 mV, maintained mainly by the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.

During which phase of gait does the gluteus medius primarily contract to prevent contralateral pelvic drop?

Answer: Mid-stance

Gluteus medius fires eccentrically during mid-stance to stabilize the pelvis and prevent a Trendelenburg drop on the opposite side.

The Neer impingement sign is produced by:

Answer: Passive forward flexion of the internally rotated arm

The Neer sign compresses supraspinatus and subacromial structures by passively forward-flexing the internally rotated arm, reproducing impingement pain.

Which law states that bone remodels in response to the mechanical stresses placed upon it?

Answer: Wolff's law

Wolff's law describes how bone density and architecture adapt to loading, forming along lines of mechanical stress.