Principles

Question 1

What is Wolff’s law?

Answer 1

• The skeleton is an adaptable mechanical structure.
• Its internal + external morphology adapts throughout life
• According to stress it is subjected too.

Question 2

What causes an external bony feature?

Answer 2

• Attachment of a ligamentous, tendinous or capsular structure.
• The union of 2 bony parts at an articulation.
• To transmit other structures (nerve, artery or vein)

Question 3

What is a close-packed position?

Answer 3

• Ligaments are under tension.
• Joint is stable.
• Articular surfaces are maximally compressed together.

Question 4

What is a “normal origin” and a “reversed origin”?

Answer 4

Normal origin - The proximal segment is stabilised and the distal segment moves.

Reverse origin - The distal segment is stabilised and the proximal segment moves.

Question 5

What is an enthesis?

Answer 5

A connection of a tendon, ligament or joint capsule to a bone.

Question 6

What is the structure of an enthesis?

Answer 6

• Connective tissue.
• Fibrocartilage.
• Mineralised fibrocartilage.
• Bone.

Question 7

What are the 2 main causes of the difference between male and female pelves?

Answer 7

1. Robustness - the size of bony attachment sites + joint surfaces.
2. Requirements for childbirth.

Question 8

What are the 3 walls of muscle that surround the abdominopelvic cavity?

Answer 8

1. Thoracic diaphragm.
2. Pelvic diaphragm.
3. Abdominal wall muscles.