Fundamentals of Anatomy

Question 1

Why is movement important for health?

Answer 1

Lubrication of joints, homeostasis

Question 2

Describe how thoracic diaphragm works in relation to breathing.

Answer 2

Movement of diaphragm pulls lungs open, expanding as you inhale, softening and contracting as you
exhale.

Question 3

Where are the kidneys and adrenals housed, and which common gripping pattern affects
them?

Answer 3

Kidneys are halfway behind ribs and half below the ribs. Adrenals are housed above
the kidneys. Gripping of back ribs is common.

Question 4

Why is proper alignment of bones important for physical health?

Answer 4

It prevents bad habits, allows breath, and improves organ health

Question 5

Name the 4 sections of the spine and describe which they curve.

Answer 5

cervical (towards front, secondary), thoracic (towards back, primary), lumbar (towards
front, secondary), sacrum (towards back, primary)

Question 6

Why is pelvic alignment important for proper spinal alignment?

Answer 6

Pelvic alignment maintains natural spinal curve. If pelvis is misaligned, everything
above will also be misaligned.

Question 7

What is responsible for distributing the weight of the head and torso onto the pelvis and
legs?

Answer 7

Sacrum

Question 8

What percent of the femur head fits into the acetabulum?

Answer 8

75%

Question 9

What does it mean if a muscle is hypertonic? What does it mean about the strength of this
muscle?

Answer 9

• Hypertonic means muscle is constantly contracted and can’t release. This means
  muscle is weak.

Question 10

Describe ideal skeletal alignment in Tadasana from the side.

Answer 10

straight line from shoulders to hips to outer ankles.

Question 11

Describe the 3 major patterns of misalignment.

Answer 11

1. too much lordosis, hips forward
   
   2. tailbone tucked, shoulders forward
   3. front of body expanded so back body not as long

Question 12

What is reciprocal inhibition?

Answer 12

as 1 muscle contracts, the opposite muscle releases

Question 13

What is recruitment?

Answer 13

when 1 muscle group encourages another muscle group to engage

Question 14

What is the most fragile part of the skeletal system?

Answer 14

joints

Question 15

What are ligaments? Tendons?

Answer 15

ligaments connective tissue that connects bone to bone

- tendons connective tissue that connects muscle to bone

Question 16

What is the major function of muscle tissue?

Answer 16

movement

Question 17

What does “agonist” and “antagonist” mean in relation to muscles?

Answer 17

• agonist = prime mover, contracts

- antagonist = opposing muscle of prime mover, releases

Question 18

In what 3 states can muscles exist?

Answer 18

1. Relaxed
   
   2. Contracted
   3. Stretched, extended

Question 19

What is ideal muscle tone?

Answer 19

• When you can contract muscle for extended period of time, and then release completely

Question 20

Name and briefly describe the 3 types of contractions possible for muscle?

Answer 20

1. concentric = closing muscle
   
   2. isometric = contracting muscle but no movements
   3. ecentric = slowly release concentric muscle and lengthen

Question 21

Name 3 types of protective reflexes built into muscles that were listed in ppt?

Answer 21

1. Stretch
   
   2. Reciprocal inhibition
   3. Facilitated stretches (PNF); increasing tension of tendon can release muscle

Question 22

What 3 things limit range of motion at every joint?

Answer 22

1. size/shape of bones
   
   2. ligaments
   3. muscle tightness

Question 23

Of those 3 things, which can be changed safely?

Answer 23

muscle tightness

Question 24

Why should every pose be taught with the organization of the body as your goal?

Answer 24

To avoid injury

Question 25

Which systems of the body does yoga (asana) affect?

Answer 25

• all of them!