Unit 4 Surface Anatomy

Question 1

What is surface anatomy?

Answer 1

Surface anatomy refers to the body parts we are able to visualize and palpate such as our bones, muscles and pulses.

Question 2

Describe the most effective way to palpate. (8x)

Answer 2

• Use the pads of your fingers
• Don’t use your thumb
• Press firmly but not too hard or too lightly
• Don’t press into pain
• Sink into the superficial tissues until you feel the structure you are looking for
• Make sure you know what structure you are looking for!
• For muscles, you can ask the client to contract the muscle you are looking to palpate
• Client should be supported

Question 3

What should you expect to feel if you are palpating a muscle? How would this differ from palpating a bone?

Answer 3

• Muscle: firm – can contract; not spongy or soft but some ‘give’
• Bone: hard; no movement

Question 4

Why is it important to learn how to palpate structures?

Answer 4

To locate where will be performing the treatment and to make the treatment more effective and safer.