Week 3 Biomechanics and Kinesiology Notes

Frontal Plane

• Definition: Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves.

• Example Movement: Jumping jacks.

• Key Insight: Movements in this plane occur side-to-side.

Sagittal Plane

• Definition: Divides the body into right and left halves.

• Example Movement: Walking, squatting.

• Key Insight: Movements are forward and backward.

Transverse Plane

• Definition: Divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) halves.

• Example Movement: Twisting motions like torso rotation.

• Key Insight: Horizontal movements and rotations.

Longitudinal Axis

• Definition: Vertical axis running head to toe.

• Associated Movement: Spinning (e.g., pirouette in ballet).

Anterior/Posterior Axis

• Definition: Runs from front to back.

• Associated Movement: Side Sumi (side flips or cartwheels).

Mediolateral Axis

• Definition: Runs from left to right.

• Associated Movement: Front pike (forward flips or somersaults).

Plantar Flexion

• Definition: Pointing the foot downward.

• Example: Standing on tiptoes.

Dorsi Flexion

• Definition: Pointing the foot upward.

• Example: Lifting toes while keeping heel on ground.

Supination

• Definition: Rotating the forearm outward; palm faces up.

• Mnemonic: "Hold a bowl of soup."

Pronation

• Definition: Rotating the forearm inward; palm faces down.

• Mnemonic: Thumb points medially.

Eversion

Sole of foot rotates outward.

Inversion

Sole of foot rotates inward.

Medial

Toward the midline of the body.

Lateral

Away from the midline; toward the sides.

Intermedial

Between medial and lateral structures.

Proximal

Closer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

Farther from the trunk of the body.

Elevation

• Definition: Movement upward.

• Example: Shrugging shoulders.

Depression

• Definition: Movement downward.

• Example: Lowering shoulders.

Abduction

• Definition: Movement away from the midline.

• Example: Raising arms sideways.

Adduction

• Definition: Movement toward the midline.

• Example: Bringing arms back to sides.

Isometric

• Definition: Muscle contracts but does not change length.

• Example: Wall sit, plank.

Concentric

• Definition: Muscle shortens during contraction.

• Example: Bicep curl upward.

Eccentric

• Definition: Muscle lengthens during contraction.

• Example: Lowering a dumbbell.

Hyperflexion

Flexing a joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Hyperextension

Extending a joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Kinesiology

• Definition: The study of human movement.

• Why It Matters: Helps professionals understand how the body moves, adapts, and performs.

Importance of Kinesiology

• Application: Essential for coaches, athletes, physical educators, and trainers.

• Purpose: Enables proper, effective movement instruction and injury prevention.

Kinetic Chain

• Definition: The interconnected systems—skeletal, muscular, and nervous—that work together to produce movement.

• Key Insight: Dysfunction in one part affects the whole chain.

Exercise Physiology

• Definition: Study of how the body adapts to physical activity.

• Connection: Vital for designing training programs and understanding recovery.

Biomechanics

• Definition: The application of physics to human movement.

• Focus: Forces, motion, and mechanical principles influencing body mechanics.

Anatomic Kinesiology

• Definition: Study of the musculoskeletal and musculotendinous systems.

• Focus: Structure and function of muscles and bones.

Structural Kinesiology

• Definition: Study of the kinetic chain as it relates to movement science.

• Focus: How body structures contribute to motion.

Anatomical Position

• Definition: Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward.

• Use: Standard reference for anatomical terminology.

Fundamental Position

• Definition: Same as anatomical, but palms face the body (midline).

• Use: Alternate reference position in some assessments.

Anterior

Toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Toward the back of the body.

Superior

Above another structure; toward the head (cephalic).

Inferior

Below another structure; toward the feet (caudal).

Anteroinferior

In front and below.

Anterosuperior

In front and above.

Anterolateral

In front and to the side (outer side).

Anteromedial

In front and toward the midline.

Anteroposterior

Relating to both front and rear.

Posteroinferior

Behind and below.

Posterolateral

Behind and to the side (outer side).

Posteromedial

Behind and toward the midline.

Posterosuperior

Behind and above.

Contralateral

Pertaining to the opposite side of the body.

Ipsilateral

On the same side of the body.

Bilateral

Relating to both right and left sides of the body or a structure.

Structure Dictates Function

• Definition: The shape and arrangement of a biological structure determines its role and effectiveness.

• Example: Lungs have thin walls and large surface area for gas exchange.

Cellular Composition

All living organisms are made of one or more cells.

What are the 7 characteristics of life 

• Cellular composition

• Metabolism

• Excretion

• Growth

• Responsiveness

• Movement

• Reproduction 

Levels of Structural Organization

• Chemical level

• Cellular level

• Tissue level

• Organ level

• Organ System level

• Organism level

Main body cavities

Dorsal and Ventral cavity

What is the Dorsal cavity divided into

Cranial and Spinal cavities

What is the Ventral cavity divided into

Thoracic and Abdominopelvic cavities

What is the Thoracic cavity divided into

Pleural, Mediastinum, and Pericardial cavities

What is the Abdominopelvic cavity divided into

Abdominal and Pelvic cavities

3 Serous membranes 

• Pleural membrane

• Pericardial membrane

• Peritoneal membrane

What are the layers of a Serous membrane 

• Visceral layer (viscer=organ)- inner layer

• Parietal layer - outside layer

What is the point of serous fluid

prevent friction between organs

Negative Feedback Loops

opposes initial change, reduces output, brings body closer to its normal state

Positive Feedback Loops

 reinforces initial change, increases input, results in more of a product, occurs when something needs to happen quickly, bring body farther away from normal variable

How are responses different than adaptations?

• Short term 

• Physiology 

• Function 

How are adaptations different than responses?

• Long term 

• Anatomy 

• Structure

What happens to the body during exercise?

• Increased blood supply

• Increased muscle temperature 

• Increased muscle pliability 

• Lactate production 

Describe Increased blood supply

• Increased demand for oxygen 

• Removal of waste products 

• Vasodilation

Describe Increased muscle pliability

• Greater flexibility reduces injury risk

• Allows greater ROM

Describe Lactate production

• Produced by the lactate energy system 

• A by product of anaerobic respiration (high intensity exercise)

• Insufficient oxygen for energy demand to be met by the aerobic system

• Micro-tears

  • In muscle tissue due to resistance exercise

  • Produces swelling and pain in the muscle 

  • Eccentric contraction produce most tearing