Massage Therapy Certification Preparation Exam

Tendons are the thick cords of tissue that serve as attachments between the skeletal muscle and bone. They are strong and flexible, allowing for the transmission of force from the muscle to the bone, enabling movement. Tendons are composed of collagen fibers, which provide strength and stability to the attachment site. They play a crucial role in the musculoskeletal system by allowing muscles to move bones and joints, providing stability and facilitating efficient movement.

The muscle commonly referred to as "6 packs" is the rectus abdominis. This muscle is located in the front of the abdomen and is responsible for flexing the trunk and compressing the abdomen. It is commonly associated with a well-defined, six-pack appearance when it is well-developed and has low body fat covering it.

The correct answer is approximately the level of the therapist's pelvis. This is because having the massage table at the same height as the therapist's pelvis allows for proper body mechanics and reduces strain on the therapist's back and arms. It also ensures that the therapist can maintain good posture and provide effective and comfortable massages to clients.

Effluerage strokes should be applied in the direction of the heart because this technique involves long, sweeping strokes that help increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. By applying the strokes towards the heart, it assists in promoting the return of blood and lymph fluid back to the heart, aiding in the removal of waste products and toxins from the body. This direction of application also helps to relax the muscles and reduce tension, providing a soothing and calming effect on the client.

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to joints. When a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, the ligaments can become stretched or torn, resulting in a sprain. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the affected joint. Therefore, the correct answer is ligament.

A muscle that decreases the angle is called a flexor. Flexor muscles are responsible for bending or decreasing the angle at a joint. They work in opposition to extensor muscles, which increase the angle at a joint. In this case, the correct answer is flexor because it directly addresses the question by stating the muscle that decreases the angle. Supinator, levator, and extensor muscles do not perform the action of decreasing the angle, making them incorrect choices.

The correct answer is Orbicularis. The orbicularis muscle is a muscle that is circular in shape. It is found in various parts of the body, including the mouth, eyes, and anus. The orbicularis muscle is responsible for closing and contracting these body parts, allowing for functions such as blinking, puckering the lips, and closing the anus.

Elasticity refers to the muscle's ability to return to its original state or shape after it has been contracted or stretched. This means that the muscle can stretch or contract in response to external forces, such as exercise or movement, and then return to its original length or shape once the force is removed. Elasticity is an important characteristic of muscles as it allows them to maintain their flexibility and functionality.

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and separates muscles, providing support and protection. It is a strong and flexible tissue that helps maintain the structure and integrity of the muscles. Adipose tissue refers to fat cells and is not directly involved in surrounding muscles. Fossa is a term used to describe a depression or hollow area in the body, and myosin is a protein involved in muscle contraction. Therefore, the correct answer is fascia.

The hip is an example of a freely movable joint. It is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of movement, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the femur (thigh bone) with the acetabulum of the pelvis. This joint is surrounded by a strong capsule and supported by ligaments, muscles, and tendons, enabling it to bear weight and provide stability while allowing for smooth and controlled movement.

Osteonecrosis refers to the condition of bone death. It occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the bone, leading to the death of bone tissue. This can result in pain, limited mobility, and eventually the collapse of the affected bone. Common causes of osteonecrosis include trauma, long-term use of certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options for osteonecrosis depend on the stage and location of the affected bone, and may include pain management, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

The hyoid bone is the only bone in the list that does not articulate with any other bone. It is a U-shaped bone located in the neck, and it is suspended by ligaments and muscles. Unlike the other bones listed, the hyoid bone does not directly connect to any other bones in the body. Instead, it serves as an attachment point for muscles involved in swallowing and speaking.

An extensor muscle is responsible for increasing the angle of a joint by straightening or extending it. When this muscle contracts, it causes the joint to move in the opposite direction, increasing the angle between the bones involved. Therefore, the correct answer is extensor.

The sacrum is a triangular bone located at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. These vertebrae are known as S1 to S5 and they gradually fuse together during development. The sacrum plays an important role in connecting the spine to the hip bones and providing stability to the pelvis.

Muscular dystrophy is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by a progressive loss of muscle fiber without any nervous system involvement. It is a genetic disorder that leads to the weakening and degeneration of muscles over time. This condition affects the voluntary muscles, leading to difficulties in movement, muscle weakness, and even loss of muscle mass. Unlike other options, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Pernicious Anemia, and Spina Bifida, which involve the nervous system or other factors, muscular dystrophy specifically refers to the progressive loss of muscle fiber.

Proper draping can be accomplished with any of these options, whether it is two towels, one towel, or one sheet. The number of towels or sheets used may vary depending on the specific situation or preference, but the key is to ensure that the patient is adequately covered and comfortable during the procedure.

The greater trochanter is located on the femur. The femur is the thigh bone, and the greater trochanter is a bony prominence located at the top of the femur. It serves as an attachment point for several muscles, including the gluteus medius and minimus. The greater trochanter can be felt on the outer side of the hip and is an important landmark for orthopedic assessments and procedures.

The correct answer is Sartorius. The Sartorius muscle is the longest muscle in the body. It is a long, thin muscle that runs from the hip to the knee. It helps to flex and rotate the hip and knee joints. The Gracilis muscle is also a long muscle, but it is not as long as the Sartorius. The Peroneus longus and Saphenous muscles are not the longest muscles in the body.

The correct answer is the Inner Ear. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. It is located within the inner ear, specifically in the structures called the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. These structures contain fluid-filled chambers and sensory cells that detect changes in head position and movement. The information from the vestibular system is then sent to the brain to help coordinate body movements and maintain equilibrium.

Trigger points are areas of hyperirritability in the muscle tissue that can cause localized pain and discomfort. These points are often tender to touch and can be found in specific locations throughout the body. They can be activated by various factors such as muscle overuse, injury, or stress. Trigger points are different from tender points, which are associated with fibromyalgia and are more widespread throughout the body. Pressure points and trigger zones are not the correct terms used to describe these tender areas of hyperirritability.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint space. This buildup leads to inflammation and severe pain in the affected joint. Unlike other forms of arthritis, gout typically affects the peripheral joints, such as the big toe, ankle, or knee. Therefore, gout is the correct answer in this case.

The muscles of the rotator cuff are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint and facilitating movement. The correct answer, Teres minor, subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, includes all four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. The Teres minor helps with external rotation of the arm, while the subscapularis aids in internal rotation. The supraspinatus assists with abduction of the arm, and the infraspinatus contributes to external rotation. Together, these muscles work to provide stability and control to the shoulder joint during various movements.

The correct answer is "Fast twitch and slow twitch." Fast twitch and slow twitch are the two types of muscle fibers. Fast twitch fibers contract quickly and generate a lot of force, but they fatigue quickly. Slow twitch fibers contract slowly and are more resistant to fatigue, making them better suited for endurance activities.

A condyloid joint is a type of synovial joint that allows for multiple movements. It consists of an oval-shaped condyle that fits into an elliptical cavity. This joint allows for flexion and extension, which are movements that occur in the sagittal plane. It also allows for adduction and abduction, which are movements that occur in the frontal plane. Additionally, a condyloid joint allows for rotation, which is a movement that occurs in the transverse plane. Therefore, the correct answer is flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and rotation.

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information to the design of objects, systems, and environments for human use. It involves studying how humans interact with their environment and designing products and systems that optimize human performance and well-being. This includes considering factors such as comfort, safety, efficiency, and usability in the design process. Ergonomics aims to create products and environments that minimize the risk of injury and enhance overall human experience and productivity.

The point where muscle is attached to the moving bone is called the insertion. This is where the muscle exerts force to move the bone. The insertion point is usually located further away from the body's midline compared to the origin, which is the point where the muscle attaches to the stationary bone.

The articulating surfaces of synovial joints are referred to as facets because facets are flat or slightly curved surfaces that come into contact with each other to form a joint. These surfaces allow for smooth movement and provide stability to the joint. Arches, grooves, and gossetts are not typically used to describe the articulating surfaces of synovial joints.

The term "deltoid" is used to describe a muscle that is triangular in shape. This muscle is located in the shoulder and is responsible for various movements of the arm, such as lifting and rotating it. The triangular shape of the deltoid muscle allows it to provide strength and stability to the shoulder joint.

The term "lordosis" refers to an excessive inward curvature of the spine, commonly known as "swayback." However, "hunchback" is another term used to describe an abnormal outward curvature of the upper spine, technically known as "kyphosis." While both conditions involve abnormal spinal curvatures, they are different in terms of the direction of the curvature. Therefore, "hunchback" is an incorrect term for lordosis.

The muscle that turns inferiorly or posteriorly is the pronator. This muscle is responsible for rotating the forearm so that the palm faces downwards or towards the back. It works in opposition to the supinator muscle, which rotates the forearm in the opposite direction. The pronator muscle is important for activities such as turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males. It is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing a protein called dystrophin, which is essential for muscle function. This condition leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, typically starting in early childhood. Females can also be carriers of the gene mutation but are usually not affected by the disorder. Volkmann's contracture, myositis, and myopathy are conditions that can affect both males and females.

The manubrium of the sternum serves as the point of attachment for the origin of various muscles. In this case, the correct answer is Sternocleidomastoid. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a large muscle located in the neck that originates from the manubrium of the sternum and the clavicle. It is responsible for flexing the neck, rotating the head, and assisting in breathing.

Anterior compartment syndrome refers to a condition characterized by increased pressure within the muscles of the lower leg, causing pain and discomfort. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common term used to describe pain along the shin bone. While both conditions involve pain in the lower leg, anterior compartment syndrome specifically refers to the increased pressure within the muscles, whereas shin splints refer to the pain along the shin bone. Therefore, anterior compartment syndrome is another term used to describe shin splints.

The depression in the middle of the clavicle is referred to as the sternal notch. The sternal notch is a U-shaped indentation at the top of the sternum, between the clavicles. It is easily palpable and serves as a landmark for various anatomical measurements and procedures, such as determining the level of the second rib or performing CPR.

The correct answer is "All or none effect." This law states that when a muscle fiber is stimulated, it will contract fully or not at all. In other words, if the stimulus is strong enough to initiate a contraction, the muscle fiber will contract completely. If the stimulus is not strong enough, the muscle fiber will not contract at all. This principle helps to explain how muscle contractions occur and how the nervous system controls muscle movement.

A fossa is a term used in anatomy to describe a slight depression in a bone or tissue. It refers to a shallow or shallowly excavated area. This can be observed in various parts of the body where bones or tissues have slight indentations or depressions.

The linea aspera is a ridge of roughened surface on the posterior surface of the femur. It serves as the attachment site for several muscles of the thigh, including the adductor magnus, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis. The other options mentioned in the question, such as the dorsal surface of the foot, between the thumb and the index finger, and the bicipital groove of the humerus, are not correct locations for the linea aspera.

The correct answer is "Annulus Fibrosis." The annulus fibrosis refers to the ring of fibrous cartilage that surrounds the intervertebral disk. It is responsible for providing structural support and stability to the disk, as well as containing the gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosis is made up of concentric layers of collagen fibers that are arranged in a crisscross pattern, allowing for flexibility and strength in the spine.

Cardiac muscle is striated. This means that it has a striped appearance under a microscope due to the arrangement of its contractile proteins. Striations indicate the presence of organized sarcomeres, which are responsible for muscle contraction. Unlike smooth muscle, which lacks striations, cardiac muscle is involuntary, meaning it contracts without conscious control. Dysplastic refers to abnormal cell growth, which is not applicable to cardiac muscle. Therefore, the correct answer is striated.

The tibia is the largest of the lower leg bones. It is located on the medial side of the leg, next to the fibula. The tibia is responsible for bearing most of the body's weight and is an important bone for walking and running. It connects the knee joint to the ankle joint and provides stability and support to the leg.

The correct answer is adduction of the thumb. Adduction refers to the movement of a body part towards the midline of the body. In the case of making the "OK" sign, the thumb is brought towards the palm of the hand, which is an example of adduction.

The subclavius muscle originates on the 1st rib.

Arm abduction refers to the movement of lifting the arm away from the body. The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is involved in this movement as it acts as a pivot point for the arm to rotate towards the first rib. The clavicle connects the arm to the trunk of the body and plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.

The correct answer is "Lateral bone at the end of the tarsus." The tarsus is a region in the foot that consists of several bones. The lateral bone at the end of the tarsus refers to the bone on the outer side of the foot, specifically the fifth metatarsal bone. This bone is elongated and helps provide stability and support to the foot. It is commonly fractured in certain injuries, such as an ankle sprain or a fracture called a Jones fracture.

Tropomyosin and troponin are regulatory proteins that switch muscle contractions on and off. Tropomyosin is a long, filamentous protein that covers the active sites on actin molecules in a relaxed muscle. When a muscle is stimulated to contract, troponin binds to calcium ions, causing a conformational change in tropomyosin. This change exposes the active sites on actin, allowing myosin to bind and initiate muscle contraction. Therefore, tropomyosin and troponin play a crucial role in regulating muscle contractions by controlling the interaction between actin and myosin.