Postures & Planes

Question 1

Medial

Answer 1

Toward the midline

Question 2

Lateral

Answer 2

Away from the midline

Question 3

Internal/Deep

Answer 3

Away from the surface of the body

Question 4

External/Superficial

Answer 4

Toward the surface of the body

Question 5

Proximal

Answer 5

Toward the trunk of the body, to the point of origin

Question 6

Distal

Answer 6

Away from the trunk of the body, from the point of origin

Question 7

Ipsilateral

Answer 7

Same side

Question 8

Contralateral

Answer 8

Opposite side

Question 9

Anterior/Ventral

Answer 9

Front surface of the body

Question 10

Posterior/Dorsal

Answer 10

Back surface of the body

Question 11

Superior/Cephalad

Answer 11

Situated above, directed upward, toward the head

Question 12

Inferior/Caudad

Answer 12

Situated below, directed downward, toward the tail

Question 13

Prone

Answer 13

Lying face down

Question 14

Supine

Answer 14

Lying face up

Question 15

Planes

Answer 15

A flat surface passing through the body and dividing it into segments

Question 16

Coronal/Frontal Plane

Answer 16

Passing longitudinally through the body from one side to the other dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions

Question 17

Sagittarius Plane

Answer 17

Passing longitudinally through the body from front to b ack and dividing it into right and left portions

Question 18

Transverse/Horizontal Plane

Answer 18

Passing horizontally through the body dividing it into upper and lower portions

Question 19

Axis

Answer 19

An imaginary line about which motion occurs

In reference position, axes are perpendicular to the anatomic plane

Question 20

Anterior-Posterior Axis (A-P Axis)

Answer 20

Runs perpendicular to the coronal/frontal plane (divides front half and back half

Question 21

Transverse Axis (Right-Left Axis)

Answer 21

Runs perpendicular to the Sagittarius plane (divides the right half and left half)

Question 22

Longitudinal Axis (Superior-Inferior Axis)

Answer 22

Runs perpendicular to the transverse plane (divides the top half and bottom half)

Question 23

Lateral Flexion

Answer 23

Movement in a coronal/frontal plane about an anterior-posterior axis
Side bending left/right

Question 24

Flexion

Answer 24

Forward motion in a Sagittarius plane of the spine, about a transverse axis
Forward bending

Question 25

Extension

Answer 25

Backward motion in a Sagittarius plane of the spine about a transverse axis Backward bending

Question 26

Rotation

Answer 26

Movement in a transverse plane about a superior-inferior axis, also a term used for motion about an axis Circular or twisting

Question 27

Gravitational Line

Answer 27

Viewing the patient from the side, an imaginary line in a coronal plane which starts: At or slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus Passes across the lateral condyle of the knee The greater trochanter Through the lateral head of the humerus at the tip of the shoulder To the auditory meatus If plane is through the body it would intersect: Body of third lumbar vertebra (L3 (or L2)) Anterior sacrum

Question 28

Posture

Answer 28

Position of the body, distribution of body mass in relation to gravity Ideal posture and alignment in relation to the gravitational line

Question 29

Postural Compensation

Answer 29

Occurs in all three planes of body motion to keep the body balanced and eyes level The result of homeostatic mechanisms working through the entire body unit to maximize function CNS prioritized vision and balance functions Spinal compensation involves proprioception from tendons and muscles Vestibular information from semicircular canals

Question 30

Postural Decompensation

Answer 30

``` Distribution of body mass away from ideal when postural homeostatic mechanisms are overwhelmed Failure of the body to align Coronal - scoliosis Horizontal - rotation Sagittarius - kyphosis/lordosis ```

Question 31

Kyphosis

Answer 31

Normal AP curve of the thoracic spine with con cavity anterior lay and convex its posterior lay Degree can vary with age, postural habits, and osteoporosis Can be exaggerated

Question 32

Lordosis

Answer 32

Normal anterior convexity in the curvature of the lumbar and cervical spine as viewed from the side Degree can vary Can be exaggerated

Question 33

Scoliosis

Answer 33

Lateral curvature in the coronal/frontal plane Can create a C or S shaped deviation Can be structural, pathological, or functional

Question 34

Pectus Excavatum

Answer 34

Funnel chest Abnormally depressed lower sternum Compression of structures

Question 35

Pectus Carinatum

Answer 35

Pigeon chest Abnormal prominence of sternum anterior lay AP diameter increased

Question 36

Osteopathic Postural Examination

Answer 36

Focuses on the static and dynamic responses of the body to gravity while in the erect position Patient stands on a level surface without shoes All extremities in full extension Feet 6-8 inches apart with heels in same frontal plane and toes abducted about 15 degrees Physician stands facing aspect of patient to be evaluated (front, back, side) Examiner's eyes at level of the part being viewed Light Palpation may be used to confirm anatomic landmarks or observations

Question 37

Postural Exam Landmarks: Posterior View

Answer 37

``` Achilles' tendon Foot position Medial malleolus Relation of spine to midline Symmetry of calves, thighs, buttocks Popliteal lines Gluteal creases Lateral body lines Greater trochanters PSIS Heights of iliac crests Waist creases Scapular prominence and angle Rib cage rotation Fingertip levels Arm position Shoulder levels Neck-shoulder angle Earlobe levels Mastoid process Posterior cirri cal muscle mass Head position Body position relative to vertical mid-spinal line ```

Question 38

Postural Exam Landmarks: Anterior View

Answer 38

``` Lateral body line Position of feet and arches (pronation/supination) Medial malleolus Tibial tuberosity Patella ASIS Hip prominence Greater trochanter Iliac crest Waist crease Arm position Prominence of costal arches Rib cage angle and rotation Thoracic symmetry Sternal angle Shoulder position Sternocleidomastoid muscle Jaw position Facial symmetry Level of eyes Level of earlobes Head position Deviation of cervical spine and skull from midline ```

Question 39

Postural Exam Landmarks: Lateral View

Answer 39

``` Anterior/Posterior body lines Feet arches Knee flexion/extension Spinal curves: cervical/lumbar lordosis; thoracic/sacral kyphosis; C-T junction; T-L junction; L-S junction Shoulder and arms Hips and pelvis Abdomen Sternal angle Thorax Head position ```

Question 40

Observation Prior to Palpation

Answer 40

Color changes: * pallor * erythema (redness) - infection, inflammation, somatic dysfunction Trauma: * scars * bruises * lacerations * abrasions * swelling * blemishes * masses * piercings * tattoos

Question 41

Anatomical Position

Answer 41

``` Erect body Feet parallel Eyes forward Arms to the sides Palms forward Thumbs to the outside of the body (Lateral part of arm = radius (thumb side); medial part of arm = ulna) ```