Kinesiology

Question 1

What is kinesiology?

Answer 1

Kinesiology is the study of human movement, emphasizing the physical and physiological principles behind motion and structure.

Question 2

What is the role of the rotator cuff?

Answer 2

The rotator cuff stabilizes the shoulder and allows for various arm movements.

Question 2

What type of muscle contraction occurs when the muscle shortens while generating force?

Answer 2

This is known as a concentric contraction.

Question 2

Explain the term ‘agonist’ in muscle action.

Answer 2

An agonist is a muscle that causes or controls joint motion through a specified plane of movement.

Question 2

What is proprioception?

Answer 2

Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of body parts in relation to others and strength of effort being employed in movement.

Question 3

Define muscle origin and insertion.

Answer 3

Muscle origin is the fixed attachment, while the insertion moves with contraction.

Question 4

Describe what happens during an isometric muscle contraction.

Answer 4

In an isometric contraction, the muscle exerts force without changing length and no visible movement of the joint occurs.

Question 5

What is a tendon’s function in the muscular system?

Answer 5

Tendons connect muscles to bones, transmitting the force created by the muscle to move the bone or structure.

Question 6

What does the term ‘antagonist muscle’ refer to?

Answer 6

An antagonist muscle is one that opposes the action of another (the agonist), relaxing while the agonist contracts.

Question 7

Explain the sliding filament theory.

Answer 7

The sliding filament theory describes how muscle fibers contract by the actin and myosin filaments sliding past each other to shorten the overall length of the muscle cells.

Question 8

What is a synovial joint?

Answer 8

A synovial joint is a freely movable joint characterized by the presence of an articular capsule filled with synovial fluid.

Question 9

Define the term ‘biomechanics.’

Answer 9

Biomechanics is the science of movement of a living body, including how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to produce movement.

Question 10

What is the function of ligaments?

Answer 10

Ligaments connect bones to other bones at joints, providing mechanical stability.

Question 11

How do skeletal muscles receive their command to contract?

Answer 11

Skeletal muscles contract following a command from the nervous system, transmitted via motor neurons.

Question 12

What is a concentric contraction?

Answer 12

A concentric contraction is a type of muscle activation that causes tension on your muscle as it shortens.

Question 13

What is the difference between fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers?

Answer 13

Fast-twitch fibers are used for short, quick bursts of power and tire quickly, whereas slow-twitch fibers are used for endurance and sustained efforts.

Question 14

Describe the function of the biceps brachii.

Answer 14

The biceps brachii primarily functions to flex the elbow and supinate the forearm.

Question 15

Explain what a ‘closed kinetic chain’ exercise is.

Answer 15

A closed kinetic chain exercise is one where the distal segment (like the foot) is fixed and cannot move; squats are an example.

Question 16

What role does the Achilles tendon play in movement?

Answer 16

The Achilles tendon transmits the power of the calf muscles to the heel and foot for movement, particularly in walking and running.

Question 17

Describe how the nervous system interacts with the muscular system to create movement.

Answer 17

The nervous system controls the muscular system by sending electrical signals (nerve impulses) to muscles, instructing them to contract or relax.

Question 18

What is muscle hypertrophy?

Answer 18

Muscle hypertrophy is the enlargement of muscle fibers as a result of strength training or exercise.

Question 18

Explain the difference between flexion and extension.

Answer 18

Flexion decreases the angle between two body parts, while extension increases the angle between two body parts.

Question 19

What is the impact of leverage on movement?

Answer 19

Leverage affects the amount of force needed to move an object; in the body, bone structures create levers that muscles act upon to create efficient movements.

Question 20

What is the primary function of the quadriceps muscle group?

Answer 20

The quadriceps muscle group primarily functions to extend the knee.

Question 21

How does aerobic exercise impact muscle function?

Answer 21

Aerobic exercise improves muscle function by enhancing endurance and cardiovascular efficiency, increasing the delivery of oxygen to muscles.

Question 21

What is the primary action of the deltoid muscle?

Answer 21

The deltoid muscle primarily acts to abduct the arm at the shoulder joint.

Question 22

What is a ‘pivot joint’ and where can one be found in the human body?

Answer 22

A pivot joint allows for rotational movement; an example is the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae, allowing the head to turn.

Question 23

Explain the term ‘supination’ of the forearm.

Answer 23

Supination of the forearm refers to the rotational movement where the palm is turned upward.

Question 23

Define ‘eccentric contraction’ in muscle activity.

Answer 23

Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens under tension, often during the lowering phase of a movement.

Question 24

How does the structure of a muscle affect its function?

Answer 24

The structure, such as the length and orientation of fibers, affects a muscle’s strength, the range of motion, and type of movement it can best perform.

Question 25

What role does cartilage play in kinesiology?

Answer 25

Cartilage provides a smooth, lubricated surface for joint movement and serves as a cushion between bones to prevent wear.

Question 26

What is plantar flexion?

Answer 26

Plantar flexion refers to the movement that decreases the angle between the sole of the foot and the back of the leg, as seen when standing on tiptoes.

Question 27

Describe the function of the gluteus maximus.

Answer 27

The gluteus maximus is primarily responsible for the movement of hip and thigh extension.

Question 28

What is a saddle joint and which two bones form this type of joint in the body?

Answer 28

A saddle joint allows movements in two planes, such as the thumb joint formed by the trapezium bone of the wrist and the first metacarpal bone of the thumb.

Question 29

What impact does strength training have on connective tissues?

Answer 29

Strength training thickens and strengthens connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, enhancing joint stability and reducing injury risk.

Question 30

Explain the concept of muscle redundancy as it pertains to human movement.

Answer 30

Muscle redundancy refers to the body’s ability to use different muscles to perform the same movement, providing backup options and reducing the risk of injury.

Question 31

What is the importance of the hamstring group in knee function?

Answer 31

The hamstring group is crucial for knee flexion and also assists in hip extension, playing a key role in walking, running, and jumping.

Question 32

What defines a ‘compound movement’ in exercise?

Answer 32

A compound movement is an exercise that engages two or more different joints to work multiple muscle groups at the same time, such as a squat.

Question 32

Describe the ‘golgi tendon organ’s role in muscle function.

Answer 32

The golgi tendon organ is a sensory receptor that protects muscles from excessive tension by triggering a reflex that causes the muscle to relax.

Question 33

How do antagonist muscles work during movement?

Answer 33

Antagonist muscles act in opposition to the muscles primarily responsible for the movement, contracting to decelerate or stop the motion.

Question 34

What is a motor unit?

Answer 34

A motor unit consists of a single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates, working together to coordinate contractions.

Question 35

How does the ‘stretch reflex’ work?

Answer 35

The stretch reflex is a muscle contraction in response to stretching within the muscle, a protective response to avoid overstretching and injury.

Question 35

What is the role of the scapula in the upper limb movement?

Answer 35

The scapula, or shoulder blade, serves as an anchor for several muscles that assist in movements of the upper limb, facilitating shoulder stability and mobility.

Question 36

Describe the biomechanical role of the meniscus in the knee joint.

Answer 36

The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and stabilizes the knee by evenly distributing the load across the joint.

Question 36

What is the impact of improper biomechanics on injury risk?

Answer 36

Improper biomechanics, such as misalignment or incorrect movement patterns, can increase the stress on specific body parts and lead to injuries.

Question 37

What is ‘joint stability’ and what factors contribute to it?

Answer 37

Joint stability refers to the ability of a joint to maintain its alignment and resist displacement; factors include the arrangement of bones, joint capsule integrity, and the strength and tension of surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Question 38

Explain how flexibility affects kinesiology.

Answer 38

Flexibility enhances the range of motion in joints, decreases the risk of injuries, and improves the efficiency of movements.

Question 39

How does body posture affect muscle function?

Answer 39

Body posture affects muscle function by influencing the length and tension relationships within muscles, potentially altering their efficiency and risk of strain.

Question 40

What role does the serratus anterior play in arm movement?

Answer 40

The serratus anterior helps to rotate the arm upward and is crucial for lifting the arm above the head.

Question 41

Describe the relationship between muscle fiber type and performance in different sports.

Answer 41

Muscle fiber type influences athletic performance: slow-twitch fibers are better for endurance sports, while fast-twitch fibers are advantageous in sprinting or power activities.