Anatomy & Biomechanics

QuestionSpinal flexion and extension occur primarily in which plane?Tap to reveal AnswerThe sagittal plane. Flexion and extension move the body forward and backward. Side bending is mainly frontal; rotation is mainly transverse. QuestionMoving the leg away from the midline is called:Tap to reveal AnswerAbduction. Adduction brings a limb toward the midline. QuestionA muscle that shortens while producing force is performing which type of contraction?Tap to reveal AnswerConcentric. Eccentric produces force while lengthening under control; isometric produces force with no visible length change. QuestionWhen a client lowers slowly from a plank variation, the trunk and hip muscles are often working mainly in which way?Tap to reveal AnswerEccentrically and isometrically, to control position against gravity. Slow lowering and position holding mean resisting gravity rather than relaxing. QuestionWhich muscle is a deep abdominal muscle that contributes to trunk pressure and stability?Tap to reveal AnswerTransversus abdominis. The deepest abdominal layer; it works with the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and spinal muscles. QuestionThe diaphragm and pelvic floor are best understood in Pilates breathing as part of what system?Tap to reveal AnswerA pressure and support system — the core canister. Diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and deep spinal muscles coordinate rather than brace in isolation. QuestionA neutral pelvis is most accurately described as:Tap to reveal AnswerNeither excessively tilted forward nor tucked under, allowing the natural spinal curves. Neutral is a balanced orientation, not a forced flattening. QuestionA side-to-side curvature of the spine is called:Tap to reveal AnswerScoliosis. A lateral curvature, often with rotation. Kyphosis and lordosis describe sagittal curves. QuestionExcessive rounding through the upper back is most associated with increased:Tap to reveal AnswerThoracic kyphosis. Kyphosis is the posterior curve of the thoracic spine; exaggerated, it reads as upper-back rounding. QuestionWhat happens to leverage demand when a straight leg is lifted supine, compared with a bent-knee version?Tap to reveal AnswerThe longer lever generally increases the demand on trunk control. A straight leg creates a larger turning effect at the pelvis and trunk; bent knees reduce that demand. QuestionDuring a Roll Up, which description best captures the antagonist idea at the trunk?Tap to reveal AnswerAs trunk flexors produce the curl, the spinal extensors must yield — and later help control the return. Antagonist describes a functional relationship, not damage. QuestionRotation of the trunk occurs mainly in which plane?Tap to reveal AnswerThe transverse plane. Rotation turns around a vertical axis; the obliques are key contributors. QuestionThe coronal (frontal) plane divides the body how — and what movements live there?Tap to reveal AnswerFront and back. Abduction and adduction. One of the three planes from the functional anatomy sheet; an exercise can combine two or three planes. QuestionThe transverse plane divides the body how — and what movement lives there?Tap to reveal AnswerUpper and lower. Rotation — of the shoulders, hips, and spine. QuestionAnterior pelvic tilt: which muscles work concentrically to create it?Tap to reveal AnswerHip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris) plus back extensors (multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum). Meanwhile the hip extensors and abdominals lengthen under control (eccentric side). QuestionPosterior pelvic tilt: which muscles work concentrically?Tap to reveal AnswerHip extensors (gluteus maximus, hamstrings) plus abdominals (rectus abdominis, internal & external obliques). The hip flexors and back extensors are the lengthening side. QuestionLateral pelvic tilt is a tug-of-war between which two groups?Tap to reveal AnswerHip abductors (gluteus medius/minimus, TFL) against the adductors (gracilis, adductor longus/magnus/brevis, pectineus). QuestionIsometric contraction — what is happening in the muscle?Tap to reveal AnswerIt contracts and holds position with no change in length. Book example: the quads holding a deep squat. QuestionDuring hip extension, the hip flexors and gluteus maximus are:Tap to reveal AnswerAntagonists — they oppose each other across the hip joint. QuestionThe four primary muscles that make up the core canister?Tap to reveal AnswerDiaphragm, transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor. Question“Plantar” refers to what?Tap to reveal AnswerThe bottom (sole) of the foot. QuestionExcessive lumbar lordosis is best defined as:Tap to reveal AnswerAn exaggerated inward (concave) curve of the lumbar spine. QuestionName a phase of gait.Tap to reveal AnswerHeel strike — the initial-contact phase. QuestionWhich landmarks are used to assess the pelvis from behind (posteriorly)?Tap to reveal AnswerThe PSIS and the gluteal fold. QuestionThe muscles that extend the knee in open chain sit on which side of the thigh?Tap to reveal AnswerAnteriorly — the quadriceps. QuestionWhich muscle group laterally rotates the thigh at the hip in standing?Tap to reveal AnswerGluteus maximus and the deep external rotators. QuestionDuring normal breathing, the diameter of the thoracic wall:Tap to reveal AnswerIncreases as you inhale. QuestionTendons attach what to what?Tap to reveal AnswerMuscle to bone. Ligaments attach bone to bone — don't swap them on the exam. QuestionLigaments are known for which vascular trait?Tap to reveal AnswerPoor blood supply. One reason ligament injuries heal slowly. QuestionA muscle that contracts again and again without fatiguing demonstrates:Tap to reveal AnswerMuscular endurance. QuestionWhich muscle most needs a stretch after long hours of sitting?Tap to reveal AnswerRectus femoris. A hip flexor and knee extensor held short by the chair. QuestionThe best breathing pattern for improving lumbar stability?Tap to reveal AnswerThree-dimensional breathing — into the back and sides of the ribcage.