Surface Lab Terminology Flashcards
Palpate
It means to feel. Therefore, it is when we try to find a structure by looking and feeling
Where does flexion-extension take place ?
The sagittal plane
What axis does flexion-extension take place around?
Medial-lateral axis
What plane does abduction-adduction take plane in ?
Frontal/coronal plane
What axis does abduction-adduction take place about ?
Anteroposterior axis
What plane does medial-lateral rotation take place in ?
Transverse plane
What axis does medial-lateral rotation take about?
Vertical axis
What is palpation in a physio context ?
It is a skill which involves FEELING for the quality of the tissue, swelling, temp and patient response to pressure
What are muscle bellies?
They can be seen to move under the skin when their joint moves. They are easily palpated when they contract
What is the muscle’s tendon ?
They can be seen moving under the skin when their joins are moved.
What are bony structures ?
They can be seen to stick out and can be felt under the skin if they are subcutaneous
What does subcutaneous mean?
They are only under the skin, not deep to the muscles
How can joints be located?
- locate a joint space as it is the soft gap between the two joining bones
- you can put your hand on the place where you think the joint is, then move that joint
What are ligaments ?
They are enigmatic, are mostly to deep to tendons but are collagenous
How to palpate for ligaments?
They are not as easy to feel as bony parts. They are best felt by working down from their attachment points
How to palpate nerves?
They are best felt if they are rolled onto something harder beneath them. They also illicit different sensations such as tingling, pain or numbness
How to palpate for an artery ?
They can be felt by a pulse and best felt if there is something hard under
What is a pulse?
It is heart’s systolic compressive wave transmitted through arteries
Where are superficial veins located?
In the superficial fascia just under the skin
How to palpate superficial veins ?
They are seen as blue lines and run with an accompanying artery
What are skin creases and fold?
They are used as landmarks to more important nearby structures. They tend to be close to a joint and disappear when that joint is in a particular position. Their function is to allow full joint range of motion
What are gluteal folds ?
They are horizontal skin folds on the lower buttock and are prominent when the hip is extended. They disappear when the hip is flexed.
What is gluteal cleft ?
It is the midline vertical skin cleft on the back of the buttock
