Core Anatomy Flashcards
(164 cards)
1
Q
What are the superficial back muscles?
A
Trapezius
Levator Scapulae
Rhomboids (major, minor)
Latissimus Dorsi
S.I.T.S. (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis)
2
Q
What does the Trapezius do?
A
Moves the scapula in 3 directions.
3
Q
What does the Levator Scapulae do?
A
Pulls the scapula up, superficially. AKA elevates the scapula.
4
Q
What do the Rhomboids (major and minor) do?
A
Retract the scapula, or pull it backwards toward the spine.
5
Q
What does the Latissimus Dorsi do?
A
Moves the arms.
6
Q
How many muscles make up the rotator cuff?
A
Four
4
7
Q
What are the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff? (S.I.T.S.)
A
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
8
Q
Although it’s one of the smaller muscles of the rotator cuff, which is commonly injured and beneficial to pay attention to?
A
Supraspinatus
9
Q
What are the bones of the posterior trunk?
A
- Spine
- Ribs
- Scapula
- Pelvis
10
Q
What are the functions of the bones of the posterior thorax?
A
- Support the body and allow for movement.
- Offer protection for organs and spinal cord.
- The structure of the spine allow action in many different directions. (Forward, backwards, and twist.)
11
Q
What is the spine otherwise known as?
A
Vertebral Column
12
Q
How many Cervical Vertebrae are there?
A
Seven
7
13
Q
How many Thoracic Vertebrae are there?
A
Twelve
12
14
Q
How many Lumbar Vertebrae are there?
A
Five
5
15
Q
How many fused vertebrae make up the Sacrum?
A
Five
5
16
Q
How many fused Vertebrae make up the Coccyx (tailbone)?
A
Three to Five
3-5
17
Q
What’s an easy way to remember the number of each type of vertebra in the Vertebral Column (Spine)?
A
Breakfast is at 7 (Cervical Vertebra)
Lunch is at 12 (Thoracic Vertebra)
Dinner is at 5 (Lumbar Vertebra)
You get 1 dessert (Sacrum)
18
Q
What range of movement do the Cervical Vertebrae have?
A
High movement
19
Q
What range of movement do the Thoracic Vertebrae have?
A
Little movement
20
Q
What range of movement do the Lumbar Vertebrae have?
A
High movement
21
Q
What range of movement does the Sacrum have?
A
Almost no movement
22
Q
Although they are made up of several fused vertebrae, how many bones are the sacrum and coccyx each considered to be?
A
One
1
23
Q
What determines the shape of the vertebral bones?
A
The region of the spine they are found in.
24
Q
How many regions of movable vertebrae are there in the spine, and what are they?
A
Three
3:
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
25
What are the structures on vertebrae that stick out?
Processes
26
What is the purpose of the processes on vertebrae?
They provide attachment points for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
27
Why are all processes considered endangerment sites, especially the spinous processes?
Because they are bony projections (landmarks) that are close to the surface, making them more susceptible to injury or damage from external forces. The spinous process sticks out directly from the back.
28
What is the hollow part in the middle of the vertebra called?
Foramen or “Hole”
29
Def: Foramen
The hollow part in the middle of the vertebra.
30
What is the purpose of the Foramen?
Allows the spinal cord to pass through while protecting it.
31
What exists between every single vertebra in the spine?
A joint
32
What does each joint on the vertebral column have to cushion movements and impacts?
An intervertebral disk
33
What type of tissue makes up the intervertebral disk?
Connective tissue
34
What are Articulation Points?
Where movement happens. AKA, a joint
35
What does it mean to look at something from a Transverse View?
To look at a cross-section of the body or structure from a horizontal slice. This can be from above or below, showing how it looks cut across horizontally.
36
Where on the vertebra would you find the intervertebral disk?
The Body
37
What do the Transverse Processes connect to?
The Ribs
38
What is the dip between the spinous process and transverse process called space where some of the deeper muscles of the back run through?
Interlaminar Space or Laminar Groove
39
What should you be cautious of when working in the Interlaminar Space (or Laminar Groove)?
Not accidentally contacting the transverse processes or spinous processes, as these are endangerment sites.
40
Def: Interlaminar Space or Laminar Groove
The dip between the spinous process and transverse process where some of the deeper muscles of the back run through
41
How do the vertebrae and associated structures work together to protect the spinal cord and nerves?
The vertebrae have many points of articulation or joints that protect the spinal cord. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord at each vertebra and exit through openings in the bone. Intervertebral disks cushion the vertebrae from impact and friction. Misalignment or issues with these structures can pinch nerves or affect muscles.
42
What does the Scapula articulate with?
The Clavicle and the Humerus
43
Why is there no official posterior joint for the Scapula?
The Scapula does not articulate directly with any bones of the back.
44
Why is the Scapula sometimes called a “Floating Joint”?
The Scapula is held in place with the muscles in the back.
45
What are important bony landmarks of the Scapula?
The Spine and Medial/Vertebral Border
46
What two processes on the scapula are closest to the arm?
The Acromion Process and the Coracoid Process. The Acromion Process extends laterally to form the highest point of the shoulder, while the Coracoid Process is situated more anteriorly and inferiorly.
47
Is massage under the floating ribs okay?
Yes, but use light pressure.
48
Is massage under the scapula okay?
Yes, pretty deeply if you are slow and careful. Not every client will be able to have that work done depending on their muscle tension and unique anatomy.
49
Def: Spinous Processes
The processes that stick directly out of the back.
50
Are Transverse Processes bony landmarks?
Yes, but they’re much deeper so they’re not as prominent.
51
Why are the Floating Ribs endangerment sites?
They’re easy to fracture and the kidneys are right underneath.
52
What are the bony landmarks of the Posterior Trunk?
*Spinous Processes
*Transverse Processes
*Floating Ribs
*Scapula
-Spine
-Medial Border
*PSIS / Posterior Superior Illiac Spine
53
Def: Aponeurosis
A large sheet of connective tissue that acts as a tendon over a large area of attachment.
54
What is a large sheet of connective tissue that acts as a tendon over a large area of attachment called?
Aponeurosis
55
On muscle charts, what does a large piece of white tissue probably represent?
An aponeurosis
56
What is a reason we have to be careful around the neck and the glutes?
There is a large concentration of nerves that goes through the hip area as well as neck and shoulders. A the reason we have to be so careful with the glutes is that we don’t want to pinch on anything or make any deep muscles tighten up that could potentially impinge on the sciatic nerves and cause that shooting pain down the client’s leg.
57
What are the Posterior Trunk Endangerments?
*Spinous Processes
*Scapula
*Kidneys
*Floating Ribs
*Lymph Nodes at the armpits and kidneys
*Nerves (especially around the cervical area)
58
What are the Posterior Trunk Contraindications?
*Disk issues and spinal cord problems
*Fused vertebra
*Pinched nerves (common at the neck and shoulders)
*Any curvature of the spine like Scoliosis, pronounced Kyphosis or Lordosis
*Osteoporosis (easy to cause fractures)
*Kidney issues (we already watch out for kidney issues, but especially when we’re working where the kidneys are)
*All “regular” contraindications like: skin conditions, injury, blood pressure issues, infection, illness, etc.
59
How many muscles are in the Erector Spinae Group?
Three
3
60
What are the 3 muscles that make up the Erector Spinae Group?
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
61
What does the Erector Spinae muscle group do?
Straightens, extends, or rotates the back to the same side
62
How does the Erector Spinae Group affect tension in the body?
Because the Erector Spinae Group runs from the sacrum to the head, it can transmit lumbar tension to the head or head tension to the lumbar.
63
Where is the Intercostals muscle group located?
Between the ribs, deep to the Pectoralis muscles
64
What does it mean when a muscle is described as "superficial to" another muscle?
It means the muscle is located above or closer to the surface of the body compared to the other muscle
65
What does it mean when a muscle group is described as "deep to" another muscle?
It means the muscle group is located beneath the other muscle
66
Is Serratus Anterior an Intercostal muscle?
No, but it’s in the same region. It has to do more with moving the scapula than any anterior structures, so technically, it’s a posterior muscle.
67
What does the Intercostals muscle group do?
Assists breathing by elevating the ribs
68
What are the two types of intercostal muscles?
Internal intercostals and external intercostals
69
Is Quadratus Lumborum (QL) a single muscle or a group?
Single muscle
70
What is the main muscle of the lumbar region?
The Quadratus Lumborum (QL)
71
Why is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) considered a part of the core muscles?
Because it is so deep that it is technically considered part of the core muscles.
72
What does the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) attach to?
The floating ribs, pelvis, and transverse processes of the lumbar
73
Why is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) an important muscle to work on, and what caution should be taken?
The QL is often “locked short,” meaning it is tight and stuck in a contracted position. It is important to work on, but it is also an endangerment zone.
74
What are the actions of the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)?
Flexes spine laterally (side to side) & extends spine (leans backwards)
75
What happens when one Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscle is always contracted and tight, and what are the potential consequences?
If one QL is always contracted and tight, it becomes "locked short," while the other QL may become "locked long" from compensating. This imbalance can cause significant postural problems and pain due to the difference in muscle length.
76
What happens to muscles during contraction and relaxation?
Muscles contract to a shortened state to perform one action and then relax to allow for the opposite motion.
77
How many muscle groups are within the Abdominals Group?
Two
2
78
What are the names of the muscle groups within the Abdominals Group?
Abdominis
Obliques
79
How many muscles are in each of the muscle groups within the Abdominals Group?
Two
2
80
Where are the abdominis muscles located compared to the oblique muscles?
The abdominis muscles are the most anterior, while the oblique muscles are more on the sides, making them lateral.
81
Why do the muscle fibers in the Abdominals Group run in different directions?
To add strength
82
Where do the Abdominals muscles attach?
The ribs and pelvis
83
What are the actions of the Abdominal muscles?
Compress the viscera, stabilize the pelvis during walking, facilitate torso rotation, and assist with forced exhalation.
84
Where does the Psoas Major originate?
The anterior of the vertebra
85
Where is the Iliacus located?
The inside/anterior side of the ilium bone
86
Where does the Iliacus attach?
Just underneath the iliac crest
87
Is there a Psoas Minor muscle in addition to the Psoas Major?
Yes, there is a Psoas Minor muscle, but not everyone has it. It’s similar to having a different number of ribs or not growing wisdom teeth. Even if someone has a Psoas Minor, the focus is generally on the Psoas Major and Iliacus.
88
What can happen if the Psoas Major is tight, and why?
If the Psoas Major is tight, it will pull on the spine and can cause a lot of lower back pain.
89
What action do the Iliacus and Psoas Major perform together as the Iliopsoas?
They work together to perform a powerful knee-raise motion.
90
What muscle is formed when the Iliacus and Psoas Major merge, and where do they attach?
The Iliacus and Psoas Major merge into the Iliopsoas Muscle, which attaches to the leg.
91
Why are the Iliacus and Psoas Major muscles challenging to target in massage, and what alternative method can help relieve their tension?
These muscles are super deep and are not typically targeted in Swedish Massage. It is even difficult to massage them in deep tissue, but it can be done. Gentle, simple stretches can help relieve tension in these muscles.
92
What’s a reason the lumbar processes much shorter than the thoracic processes?
They don’t have ribs to attach to
93
What is the structure of the pelvis, and what does it form with its attachments to the legs?
The pelvis is made up of multiple bones and forms the Pelvic Girdle along with its attachments to the legs.
94
What is one of the primary functions of the pelvis?
The pelvis protects the lower abdominal organs.
95
What is a common landmark on the pelvis for massage therapists (MTs)?
The ASIS (Anterior Superior Iliac Spine)
96
What movement is the pelvis involved in?
The legs
97
What happens if you fall, landing on your rear, and break your tailbone?
It’s usually not a big deal. It can be uncomfortable, but it will either heal on its own or be absorbed into the body.
98
What important function does the sacrum serve in relation to the lower body?
The nerves for all the lower body pass through the sacrum.
99
With which structures does the sacrum articulate?
The pelvis and lumbar vertebrae
100
How many diaphragms are in the body?
Five (5)
101
What are the five (5) diaphragms and where are they located in the body?
1. Thoracic Diaphragm: Beneath the lungs and heart, separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
2. Pelvic Diaphragm: At the base of the pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs.
3. Urogenital Diaphragm: Located in the lower pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs and contributing to urinary and reproductive functions.
4. Pharyngeal Diaphragm: In the throat area, supporting the pharynx and aiding in swallowing and speaking.
5. Cranial Diaphragm (or Tentorium Cerebelli): Inside the skull, separating the cerebellum from the cerebrum.
102
What is the primary muscle of respiration (breathing)?
Respiratory Diaphragm
103
Where does the Respiratory Diaphragm attach?
To the spine, ribs, and xiphoid process
104
What does the Respiratory Diaphragm separate in the body?
The thoracic and abdominal cavities
105
What is the action of the Respiratory Diaphragm?
Inspiration (breathing in)
106
What are the Posterior Trunk endangerments?
*Spinous Processes
*Scapula
*Kidneys
*Floating Ribs
*Lymph Nodes at the armpits and kidneys
*(Nerves (especially at the neck, or cervical area)
107
What are the Posterior Trunk contraindications?
* Disk issues, spinal cord problems
* Fused Vertebra
* Pinched nerves
* Scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis
* Osteoporosis (easy to cause fractures)
* Kidney issues
* All “regular” contraindications like: Skin conditions, injury, blood pressure issues, infection, illness, etc.
108
Is everything that attaches to the pelvis part of the Pelvic Girdle?
No
109
What are the muscles of the Pelvic Girdle?
* Glutes: Maximus, Medius, Minimus
* Piriformis
* Superior Gemellus
* Iliopsoas
110
What are the actions of the Glute muscles?
Moves the leg out laterally (abduction), some rotation, extends leg behind the body
111
Which glute muscle is the largest and most superficial?
Gluteus Maximus
112
Which glute muscle is the most lateral?
Gluteus Medius
113
Which glute muscle is the smallest and deepest?
Gluteus Minimus
114
Which two muscles does the sciatic nerve commonly run between or through one of them?
Piriformis and Superior Gemellus
115
What are the Piriformis and Superior Gemellus known for in terms of movement?
They are very strong internal rotators.
116
Which two muscles are the Iliopsoas a combination of?
Psoas & Iliacus
117
What are the actions of the Iliopsoas?
Flexes the hip and assists in flexion of the spine, helps maintain upright posture
118
What can happen when the Piriformis and Superior Gemellus muscles are tight?
They can pinch the Sciatic nerve.
119
What can aggravate sciatic nerve pain when working on the hip?
Working too deep in the wrong area of the hip (endangerment) can aggravate sciatic nerve pain even more.
120
What are the contraindications of the Pelvic Girdle?
* Sciatica - Depending on the severity, this may actually be an indication. Check in on your client regularly to see if they feel a tingling or burning sensation. If they do, stop.
* Hernia - This is a tear in the fascia of the abdominal cavity, but working on the glutes can aggravate it.
* Pinched Nerves - A pinched nerve in the spinal cord can affect feeling in the lower extremities. Use caution.
* Joint Replacement - If the client has had a recent hip replacement, work on this area is discouraged. Ask questions to determine if this area would be indicated.
* Osteoporosis
* All “regular” contraindications like: Skin conditions, injury, blood pressure issues, infection, illness, etc.
121
What are the endangerments of the Pelvic Girdle?
*Sciatic Nerve
*Gluteal Cleft
122
What is the Pelvic Girdle responsible for?
Moving and supporting the legs in a very strong, foundational way
123
What is the Shoulder Girdle responsible for?
Moving and supporting the arms in a very strong, foundational way
124
What is the function of the Pelvic Girdle in relation to the skeleton?
The Pelvic Girdle connects the Axial Skeleton to the lower portion of the Appendicular Skeleton through any attachments from the sacrum to the leg.
125
What forms the Pelvic Girdle?
The Pelvic Girdle is formed by the bones of the pelvis and its attachments that provide movement for the lower limbs, including the superior portion of the Femur (Greater Trochanter).
126
What shape does the pelvis create, and what is its function?
A "bowl form" that supports and protects the internal organs
127
What are two important bony landmarks on the Pelvis?
The ASIS (Anterior Superior Iliac Spine) and Iliac Crest
128
Where does the Femur articulate with the Pelvis to create the hip joint?
The Acetabulum
129
What is the action of the Pelvis?
Most attachments of the Pelvis allow for movement of the lower limbs.
130
What three (3) bones is the Os Coxae made up of?
* Ilium
* Ischium
* Pubis
131
What bones make up the Pelvis?
The Sacrum and the Os Coxae
132
What forms the Pelvic Girdle along with the Pelvic bones?
The muscles that attach to the Os Coxae and the legs
133
What forms the Pelvic Girdle along with the Pelvic bones?
The muscles that attach to the Os Coxae and the legs
134
What is the Sacrum covered with?
Attachments
135
Where are the Sacrum and Coccyx (tailbone) located?
At the base of the spine
136
How many muscles make up the Hamstrings?
Three (3)
137
What are the three (3) muscles that make up the hamstrings?
Semimembranosus - Most medial (inner thigh)
Semitendinosus - Between the other two
Biceps Femoris - Most Lateral (outer thigh)
138
What are the actions of the Hamstrings?
Flex the knee and extend the thigh (behind the body)
139
What are the actions of the Hamstrings?
Flex the knee and extend the thing (behind the body)
140
Is the Iliotibial Band (I.T. Band) a muscle?
No, but it is treated like one. It is a long band of CT (Connective Tissue) that crosses the knee. It is incredibly important for the structure and function of your leg. Issues with the ITB are common.
141
What’s the common abbreviation for Gastrocnemius?
Gastroc
142
What are the muscles of the inferior posterior leg (calf)?
Gastrocnemius (superficial calf muscle) & Soleus (deeper calf muscle
143
What do the Gastrocnemius (superficial calf muscle) & Soleus (deeper calf muscle) merge into?
The Calcaneal Tendon (Achilles Tendon)
144
What are the actions of the Gastrocnemius (superficial calf muscle) & Soleus (deeper calf muscle)?
Extend the knee & bend the foot
145
If a client has foot pain, which muscle group or area might be beneficial to work on and why?
The calf muscles because many calf muscles wrap under the feet to extend the foot.
146
What are the bones of the superior lower limb?
*Femur
*Patella
*Pelvis (specifically, the portion that articulates with the femur)
147
What are the two (2) bones of the inferior lower limb (not including the foot)?
*Tibia
*Fibula
148
What bone is the longest and strongest in the body?
The Femur
149
Which bone in the lower limb is smaller, the Fibula or the Tibia?
The Fibula
150
Which bone in the lower limb is more lateral, the Fibula or the Tibia?
The Fibula
151
Which bone in the lower limb is more medial, the Fibula or the Tibia?
The Tibia
152
Which bone in the lower limb is larger, the Fibula or the Tibia?
The Tibia
153
Which bone in the lower limb is larger, the Fibula or the Tibia?
The Tibia
154
What are the bones of the foot?
*Tarsals
-Talus
-Calcaneus
-Navicular, Cuboid, and Cuneiforms
*Metatarsals
*Phalanges
155
Where are Varicose Veins commonly found?
The back of the knees or the popliteal area
156
What are the dangers associated with varicose veins, and why is it important not to massage directly over them or in any regions distal (below) to them?
Stagnant blood can coagulate, forming blood clots, and dislodged blood clots can become embolisms and travel to the heart, lungs, and brain
157
What are the posterior leg endangerments?
*Sciatic Nerve
*Popliteal Area
*Behind the knee
*Inguinal/Femoral Triangle
158
Why is the popliteal area an endangerment zone?
Because it contains major blood vessels, important nerves, and lymph nodes. Pressure or injury to these structures can lead to serious complications like circulatory issues, nerve damage, or lymph node irritation.
159
Why is the popliteal area an endangerment zone?
Because it contains major blood vessels, important nerves, and lymph nodes. Pressure or injury to these structures can lead to serious complications like circulatory issues, nerve damage, or lymph node irritation.
160
What role do the small muscles in the foot play, in addition to those descending from the calf?
They run in different directions to help stabilize the foot and transfer motion.
161
What is plantar fasciitus?
A common condition involving inflammation (“itis”) of the fascia on the bottom of the foot. It's more than just sore feet; it feels like knives stabbing into the foot because the tension can pull tendons away from the bones, causing micro-tears.
162
How can plantar fasciitis affect other parts of the body?
Plantar fasciitis can lead to joint and muscle issues as muscles may atrophy from disuse. People often change the way they walk or reduce walking to alleviate pain, creating compensation patterns that disrupt the rest of the body.
163
What are the posterior leg contraindications?
*Varicose Veins
*Sciatica Pain
*Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot)
*Blood thinners or anticoagulants
*Neuropathy
*Any acute injury (recent, 1-3 days)
164
What are two (2) important bony landmarks of the posterior leg?
Greater Trochanter
Head of the Fibula
