Anatomy Flashcards
Final Study Guide
Describe “optimal” alignment.
a person without any postural deviations.
What is functional alignment?
a standing posture with feet parallel when the weight of the body is evenly distributed between both feet, side to side and front to back. Very little muscle action is required to hold the body upright if it is properly aligned, so muscles will not be overly tensed in this position. This is the optimal starting point for yoga asana practice.
How can one develop functional alignment?
beginning with the foundation, the feet weight distribution, then look at the lower leg and thigh placement, then from there connect the hip socket and thigh bone to the pelvis and ribcage, finally after all of the lower part is aligned adjust the shoulder girdle and head. Pg.48 CYM
What is anatomy? Why do yoga teachers need to study anatomy?
a study that covers the material composition of the body and gives terminology to understand the basic movement capabilities of the body. Knowing this gives tecahers a clearer perception of inherent movement possibility. Pg. 18
What 5 vital life forces is the subtle body composed of?
force (prana), mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), ego (ahamkara), and the feeling of self (chitta). Pg. 38 CYM
What are the twelve (12) physiological systems in the body?
a) Cardiovascular (circulatory)
b) Immune/lymphatic
c) Nervous
d) Endocrine
e) Integumentary
f) Respiratory
g) Digestive
h) Urinary
i) Reproductive
j) Skeletal
k) Muscular
l) Nervous
Give eight (8) functions of the skeleton.
a) To give form and structure to the body
b) To protect the internal organs
c) To produce blood cells
d) To store calcium and phosphorous
e) Come together to form joints (axes) around which movement occurs
f) Serve as points of attachment for muscles and ligaments
g) Bones work with muscles to support the body against the pull of gravity
h) Provide necessary lever system for movement Pg.29 CTM
What are the two (2) main parts to the human skeleton? What are each one compose of?
the axial and appendicular. The axial portion is composed of the head and trunk. The axial portion consists of the arms and legs, which are attached to the axial skeleton as appendages. P.27 CTM
What are the 3 classifications of the joints?
immovable, slightly movable, and freely movable. P.28 CTM
What is Range of Motion?
the amount of movement through a particular plane that can occur in a joint. P.29 CTM
Describe all the movements that in the body joints.
a) Flexion: decreased angle at a joint
b) Extension: increased angle at joint
c) Abduction: movement of a body segment away from the midline of the body
d) Adduction: movement of a body segment toward the midline of the body
e) Rotation: movement of a segment around its own longitudinal axis
f) Circumduction: a circular movement of a body segment
g) Elevation: occurs in the shoulder girdle when the scapular is pulled up as in shrugging
h) Depression: the opposite of elevation
Explain the function of the muscular system?
for movement. Muscle contraction is the source of energy for all movements in which the body and its extremities are raised or held in position against the pull of gravity. P.30 CTM
Explain why the Nervous System is important in asana practice?
there would not be movement of the body without it and also because it plays such an integral role in the subtle body anatomy, explained at the end of this section. P.33 CYM
What are the functions of the spinal column?
to support and distribute the weight of the head and shoulders, provides a protective canal for the passageway of the spinal cord and the nerves, provides side opening protective canals for afferent and efferent nerves, and lastly it cushions the intervertebral discs to absorb shock.
