MT kines: Intro

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Are all tissues the same in everyone?

Structure is the same, but feel varies per person.

Between what structures can bursae be located?

two muscles, two tendons, tendon & ligament, or muscle & ligament.

Can nerves be palpated throughout the body?

Sections of nerves and plexuses can be accessed, but palpation should generally be avoided.

Endomysium

Structure within the muscle

How are ligaments structured?

Dense connective tissue with uneven fiber arrangement.

How can you distinguish adipose tissue from muscle?

soft and gelatinous; muscle underneath is firmer when contracted

How can you distinguish a retinaculum from a tendon by palpation?

Retinaculum fibers run transversely, perpendicular to the tendon fibers.

How can you tell an artery from a vein by palpation?

Arteries have a palpable pulse; veins do not.

How does adipose tissue feel when palpated?

Gelatinous/jellylike; easy to sink fingers into.

How does deep fascia relate to muscle fibers?

It penetrates muscle bellies and encases individual muscle fibers

How does fiber direction help in palpation?

identifies which muscle you are palpating

How does muscle feel compared to tendon?

Muscle feels fibrous and striated; tendon feels smoother.

How does muscle feel when relaxed vs contracted?

Relaxed = soft and malleable; Contracted = firm and solid.

How does muscle tissue feel during palpation?

Striated and fibrous, like unsanded wood

How do bones feel?

Solid and constant; muscles/ligaments can harden but change shape.

How do healthy lymph nodes feel?

Roundish, slightly movable, and nontender.

How do ligaments feel during palpation?

Dense and taut; fiber direction may be palpable.

How do lymph nodes differ from other glands?

smaller, smooth, and mobile; other glands are larger and lumpy.

How do tendons feel during palpation?

Smooth, tough, and resilient.

How do you make effective contact in palpation?

Relax hands

Use top hand to guide pressure

Fingertips for small structures, Whole hand for large

Sculpt edges

Close your eyes to enhance awareness

How do you palpate a muscle beneath a superficial muscle?

Shift the superficial muscle aside or slowly compress deeper using texture and fiber direction as guides.

How do you tell a tendon from a ligament?

Tendon connects muscle to bone and changes tension; ligament connects bone to bone and stays taut.

How extensive is the fascial system?

It forms a 3D connective tissue matrix from head to toe.

How is active movement used in palpation?

Partner moves slowly or contracts/relaxes muscles so you can feel location and tissue changes.

How is muscle structure like an orange?

Fascia layers surround the whole muscle, bundles, and individual fibers.

How is passive movement used in palpation?

Partner stays relaxed while you move their body

How is resisted movement used in palpation?

Partner pushes against your resistance so you can feel muscle contraction and structure.

How many tendons does a muscle have?

One or more At each end

How to use this book

Follow along with the text and palpate on a partner.

Proceed step by step, repeat certain steps when necessary, and explore the body along the way

Insertion

The more mobile attachment site of a muscle to a bone; the opposite end is the origin

Key

Action, Origin, Insertion, and Nerve innervation of the muscle. The predominant spinal nerve levels are in bold (Ex.C1, T3)

Key skin facts for palpation?

Largest organ, thickness/texture vary, connected to deeper tissues.

Less is More

The deeper you move into the body, the slower and softer your touch needs to be

Name the five types of parallel muscles.

Triangular, Flat, Fusiform, Sphincter, Strap.

Name the three fascia layers of muscle

Epimysium (whole muscle), Perimysium (fiber bundles), Endomysium (individual fibers).

Name the three types of pennate muscles.

Unipennate, Bipennate, Multipennate

Origin

The more stationary attachment site of a muscle to a bone; the opposite end is the insertion

Palpation

To examine or explore by touching usually as a diagnostic aid

Perimysium

Structure surrounding the muscle

Periosteum

Structure surrounding the bone

Rolling/strumming technique

Roll fingers across bones, strum across muscle fibrous to feel direction and tension.

Three principles of palpation?

1. Move slowly – haste interferes with sensation.

2. Use minimal pressure – less is more.

3. be present and attentive to what you feel.

• Tip: Practice on yourself anytime to explore skin, bones, and muscles

Where are arteries usually located?

On the protected side of a limb, deep beneath the muscles.

What are tendons made of?

Dense connective tissue with parallel collagen fibers.

What are the key steps in the art and skill of palpation?

1. Locate: the structure -find the body part or tissue you want to assess.

2. Learn: its characteristics - Feel its texture, shape, tension, and mobility.

3. Look: at its quality or condition – determine how it functions in what treatment may be needed

What are the main muscle fiber directions?

Parallel, convergent, diagonal

What are the physical characteristics of nerves?

Tube-shaped, mobile, tender when compressed.

What are the two types of fascia?

Superficial and deep

What defines a parallel muscle?

Long fibers that run parallel to the length of the muscle

What defines a pennate muscle?

Short fibers that run obliquely to the tendon

What do bursae cushion?

Skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or organs from bone surfaces.

What does skeletal muscle do?

Voluntarily contracts to move the skeleton

What does palpation require?

Receptive hands and fingers, open eyes (mind), listening ears, calm breath, and a quiet mind.

What does superficial fascia contain?

Adipose tissue, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and connective tissue.

What do ligaments connect?

bone to bone at a joint.

What do tendons connect?

muscle to bone (specifically to the periosteum

What happens if an artery is compressed too long?

Tingling or numbness occurs in the distal area.

What happens if a nerve is compressed?

Can cause sharp, shooting pain locally or down the corresponding limb.

What happens to muscle fascia at the ends of a muscle?

Fascia layers merge to form a tendon that attaches muscle to bone (periosteum)

What happens to tendons and fascia when muscle tension changes?

They become taut with contraction and loose with relaxation

What is a bursa?

A small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between structures.

What is adipose tissue?

A form of loose connective tissue that stores fat.

What is an agonist muscle?

The muscle (or group) that performs the primary action. (Does)

What is an antagonist muscle?

A muscle that performs the opposite action of the agonist. (Opposes)

What is an aponeurosis?

A broad, flat tendon.

What is a retinaculum?

A structure that holds an organ or tissue in place.

What is a retinaculum in muscular connective tissue?

A transverse thickening of deep fascia that holds tendons in position.

What is a synergist muscle?

A muscle that assists and supports the agonist. (Helps)

What is fascia

A continuous sheet of dense connective tissue beneath the skin and around muscles and organs.

What is skeletal muscle made of?

Muscle fibers, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels.

What is the function of a retinaculum?

To strap and stabilize tendons as they cross joints.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

They collect lymphatic fluid from lymphatic vessels.

What is the main role of ligaments?

To strengthen and stabilize joints.

What is the “ movement and stillness” principle in palpation

• Stationary structures: shape, texture, or fiber direction.

• Moving structures: contractions or motion.

• stationary → move; moving → stay still.

What is the role of deep fascia?

Surrounds muscle bellies, separates muscles into groups, and fills spaces between them.

What is the shape and size of lymph nodes?

Bean-shaped, ranging from a tiny pea to an almond.

When in doubt:

Ask the body

Where are bursae commonly found?

Primarily around joints, between bones and soft tissues.

Where are most retinacula found?

Superficial and easily accessible

Where are palpable lymph nodes commonly found?

In body creases: groin, axilla, and neck.

Where are veins often found?

More superficial; often visible on the hands and feet.

Where is adipose tissue found?

Throughout the body: bone marrow, around kidneys, joints, behind eyes, and subcutaneous layer.

Where is adipose tissue most easily palpated?

In the subcutaneous layer between skin and superficial fascia.

Where is superficial fascia found?

Immediately beneath the skin, covering the entire body.

Why compare tissue characteristics?

To feel differences and choose the right palpation technique.

Why does fascia require skilled palpation?

Because it is continuous, subtle, and present everywhere in the body.

Why is the carotid artery important during neck palpation?

It supplies the head and neck and should not be pressed on.I

Why keep a palpatory journal?

reflect on hands-on findings

track skill growth and tissue patterns.

Work smart

Self-palpation, read aloud, be patient