Massage Therapist Kinesiology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle group is responsible for lateral flexion of the trunk?
- Rectus abdominis
- Quadratus lumborum (Correct answer)
- Transverse abdominis
- Multifidus
Correct answer: Quadratus lumborum
The quadratus lumborum is a primary lateral flexor of the trunk, also assisting in hip elevation and lumbar extension.
Question 2: What type of lever system is most common in the human body?
- First-class lever
- Second-class lever
- Third-class lever (Correct answer)
- Fourth-class lever
Correct answer: Third-class lever
Third-class levers are most common in the body; the effort (muscle) is between the fulcrum (joint) and the load, producing speed and range of motion.
Question 3: Scapular upward rotation is primarily produced by which muscles working together?
- Rhomboids and levator scapulae
- Serratus anterior and upper/lower trapezius (Correct answer)
- Pectoralis minor and subclavius
- Rhomboids and pectoralis major
Correct answer: Serratus anterior and upper/lower trapezius
Upward rotation of the scapula is produced by a force couple between the serratus anterior and the upper and lower fibers of the trapezius.
Question 4: Which term describes a movement that decreases the joint angle between two bones?
- Extension
- Flexion (Correct answer)
- Abduction
- Rotation
Correct answer: Flexion
Flexion decreases the angle between bones at a joint, such as bending the elbow or knee.
Question 5: The pectoralis major performs which action at the glenohumeral joint?
- Shoulder abduction and lateral rotation
- Shoulder extension and medial rotation
- Shoulder horizontal adduction and medial rotation (Correct answer)
- Shoulder elevation and retraction
Correct answer: Shoulder horizontal adduction and medial rotation
The pectoralis major performs horizontal adduction and medial (internal) rotation of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint.
Question 6: Which muscle is the primary wrist extensor on the radial side of the forearm?
- Flexor carpi radialis
- Extensor carpi ulnaris
- Extensor carpi radialis longus (Correct answer)
- Flexor digitorum superficialis
Correct answer: Extensor carpi radialis longus
The extensor carpi radialis longus is a primary wrist extensor located on the radial (lateral) side of the forearm.
Question 7: During normal gait, which muscle group acts eccentrically to control the rate of knee flexion at initial contact?
- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps (Correct answer)
- Gastrocnemius
- Hip abductors
Correct answer: Quadriceps
The quadriceps contract eccentrically at initial contact to control the rate of knee flexion and absorb ground reaction forces.
