Introduction to Kinesiology and Anatomical Terminology

Comprehensive practice questions covering anatomical terminology, joint movements, planes, axes, and kinetic chains.

What is the definition of Kinesiology, and what is its Greek origin?

Kinesiology is the study of movement, derived from the Greek word kinesis, which means to move.

Which sciences and principles are involved in the study of Kinesiology?

The sciences include Anatomy, Physiology, Physics, and Geometry. The principles include Mechanics, Musculoskeletal anatomy, and Neuromuscular physiology.

What characterizes the 'fundamental position' compared to the 'anatomical position'?

The fundamental position is the same as the anatomical position, except that the palms face the sides of the body.

What do the terms 'medial' and 'lateral' describe?

Medial means closer to the midline, while lateral means farther from the midline.

Contrast 'anterior/ventral' with 'posterior/dorsal'.

Anterior/Ventral refers to the front of the body or toward the front, while posterior/dorsal refers to the back of the body or toward the back.

Define the terms 'distal' and 'proximal' in relation to the trunk.

Distal means away from the trunk, and proximal means toward the trunk.

What are the synonyms for 'superior' and 'inferior' in anatomical terminology?

Superior is also known as cranial or cephalic (above or upper surface), while inferior is also known as caudal (below or lower surface).

What is the difference between 'supine' and 'prone'?

Supine means lying face up, and prone means lying face down.

Define 'bilateral', 'contralateral', 'ipsilateral', and 'unilateral'.

Bilateral means both sides or two; contralateral means the opposite side; ipsilateral means the same side; and unilateral means one side.

What is 'osteokinematics'?

Osteokinematics is the relationship of the movement of bones around a joint axis.

How are 'flexion', 'extension', and 'hyperextension' defined?

Flexion is the bending of one bone toward another, bringing segments closer. Extension is the straightening of a segment, moving bones away from each other. Hyperextension is the continuation of extension past the neutral or anatomical position.

What are the specific terms for flexion and extension at the ankle?

Plantar flexion is flexion at the ankle (pointing toes down), and dorsiflexion is extension at the ankle (bringing toes up).

Define 'abduction' and 'adduction'.

Abduction is movement away from the midline of the body, and adduction is movement toward the midline.

How do fingers and toes differ from the standard rules of abduction and adduction?

Fingers and toes are considered exceptions to the standard rule.

Describe the starting positions for 'horizontal abduction' and 'horizontal adduction'.

Horizontal abduction starts with the shoulder at $90^\circ$ flexion; horizontal adduction starts with the shoulder at $90^\circ$ abduction.

What is the difference between medial and lateral rotation?

Medial (internal) rotation is when the anterior surface rolls inward toward the midline; lateral (external) rotation is when the anterior surface rolls outward away from the midline.

Define 'supination' and 'pronation' of the forearm.

Supination is the rotation of the forearm to a palm-up position, and pronation is the rotation to a palm-down position.

What are 'radial deviation' and 'ulnar deviation'?

Radial deviation is when the hand moves laterally toward the thumb side; ulnar deviation is when the hand moves medially toward the little finger side.

Contrast 'inversion' and 'eversion' of the foot.

Inversion is movement of the sole of the foot toward the ankle (inward), and eversion is movement away from the ankle (outward).

What are 'protraction' and 'retraction'?

Protraction is movement along a plane parallel to the ground away from the midline; retraction is movement along a plane parallel to the ground toward the midline.

What is 'circumduction'?

Circumduction is a circular motion of the shoulder or hip that combines flexion, abduction, extension, and adduction.

Where is the body's 'Center of Gravity' located?

It is the point where the three cardinal planes intersect, located at about the level of and slightly anterior to the second sacral vertebra.

Describe the 'sagittal plane' and the movements that occur within it.

The sagittal plane passes through the body from front to back, dividing it into left and right parts; flexion and extension occur in this plane.

Describe the 'frontal plane' and the movements associated with it.

The frontal plane passes through the body from side to side, dividing it into front and back parts; abduction and adduction occur in this plane.

Describe the 'horizontal plane' and the movements associated with it.

The horizontal plane passes through the body horizontally, dividing it into top and bottom parts; rotation occurs in this plane.

Around which axis does movement in the sagittal plane occur?

Movement in the sagittal plane occurs around a frontal axis.

Around which axis does movement in the frontal plane occur?

Movement in the frontal plane occurs around a sagittal axis.

What are the 'degrees of freedom' for uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial joints?

A uniaxial joint has one degree of freedom, a biaxial joint has two, and a triaxial joint has three.

Define 'closed kinetic chain' and provide an example.

A closed kinetic chain requires the distal segment to be fixed while the proximal segment moves; an example is rising from a seated position or performing a squat.

Define 'open kinetic chain' and provide an example.

An open kinetic chain is when the distal segment is free to move while the proximal segment remains stationary; an example is seated knee extension or kicking a ball.