Fundamentals of Anatomy Flashcards
Why is movement important for health?
Lubrication of joints, homeostasis
Describe how thoracic diaphragm works in relation to breathing.
Movement of diaphragm pulls lungs open, expanding as you inhale, softening and contracting as you
exhale.
Where are the kidneys and adrenals housed, and which common gripping pattern affects
them?
Kidneys are halfway behind ribs and half below the ribs. Adrenals are housed above
the kidneys. Gripping of back ribs is common.
Why is proper alignment of bones important for physical health?
It prevents bad habits, allows breath, and improves organ health
Name the 4 sections of the spine and describe which they curve.
cervical (towards front, secondary), thoracic (towards back, primary), lumbar (towards
front, secondary), sacrum (towards back, primary)
Why is pelvic alignment important for proper spinal alignment?
Pelvic alignment maintains natural spinal curve. If pelvis is misaligned, everything
above will also be misaligned.
What is responsible for distributing the weight of the head and torso onto the pelvis and
legs?
Sacrum
What percent of the femur head fits into the acetabulum?
75%
What does it mean if a muscle is hypertonic? What does it mean about the strength of this
muscle?
- Hypertonic means muscle is constantly contracted and can’t release. This means
muscle is weak.
Describe ideal skeletal alignment in Tadasana from the side.
straight line from shoulders to hips to outer ankles.
Describe the 3 major patterns of misalignment.
- too much lordosis, hips forward
- tailbone tucked, shoulders forward
- front of body expanded so back body not as long
What is reciprocal inhibition?
as 1 muscle contracts, the opposite muscle releases
What is recruitment?
when 1 muscle group encourages another muscle group to engage
What is the most fragile part of the skeletal system?
joints
What are ligaments? Tendons?
ligaments connective tissue that connects bone to bone
- tendons connective tissue that connects muscle to bone
What is the major function of muscle tissue?
movement
What does “agonist” and “antagonist” mean in relation to muscles?
- agonist = prime mover, contracts
- antagonist = opposing muscle of prime mover, releases
In what 3 states can muscles exist?
- Relaxed
- Contracted
- Stretched, extended
What is ideal muscle tone?
- When you can contract muscle for extended period of time, and then release completely
Name and briefly describe the 3 types of contractions possible for muscle?
- concentric = closing muscle
- isometric = contracting muscle but no movements
- ecentric = slowly release concentric muscle and lengthen
Name 3 types of protective reflexes built into muscles that were listed in ppt?
- Stretch
- Reciprocal inhibition
- Facilitated stretches (PNF); increasing tension of tendon can release muscle
What 3 things limit range of motion at every joint?
- size/shape of bones
- ligaments
- muscle tightness
Of those 3 things, which can be changed safely?
muscle tightness
Why should every pose be taught with the organization of the body as your goal?
To avoid injury
Which systems of the body does yoga (asana) affect?
- all of them!
