Biomechanics of the Hip, Pelvis, and Spine

Vocabulary flashcards covering hip musculature, pelvic rotations and coupled motions, spinal functions, disc physiology, spinal malalignments, and core stabilization systems.

Hip Flexors

The group of muscles that flex the hip, including the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, pectineus, and tensor fasciae latae.

Hip Adductors

The group of muscles responsible for hip adduction, including the adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis.

Hip Abductors

The group of muscles that abduct the hip, including the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.

Hip Extensors

The muscles that perform hip extension, including the gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and semimembranosus.

Anterior Pelvic Rotation

A sagittal plane pelvic movement that produces lumbar spine extension, right hip flexion, and left hip flexion.

Posterior Pelvic Rotation

A sagittal plane pelvic movement that produces lumbar spine flexion, right hip extension, and left hip extension.

Right Lateral Pelvic Rotation

A frontal plane pelvic motion associated with a hike or drop, causing left lateral rotation/flexion of the lumbar spine, right hip abduction, and left hip adduction.

Left Lateral Pelvic Rotation

A frontal plane pelvic motion resulting in right lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, right hip adduction, and left hip abduction.

Right Transverse Pelvic Rotation

A transverse plane pelvic rotation that results in left lumbar rotation, right hip internal rotation, and left hip external rotation.

Left Transverse Pelvic Rotation

A transverse plane pelvic rotation that results in right lumbar rotation, right hip external rotation, and left hip internal rotation.

Functions of the Spine

The three key functional roles of the vertebral column: transferring load between upper and lower extremities, enabling trunk motion across all $3$ planes of motion, and protecting the spinal cord.

Lordosis

A spinal malalignment defined as an increased posterior concavity of the lumbar and cervical curves, visually described as the spine pushing forward into the stomach.

Kyphosis

A spinal malalignment defined as an increased anterior concavity of the thoracic curve, creating a noticeable hump in the upper back.

Scoliosis

A spinal malalignment characterized by lateral curvatures or sideward deviations of the spine, causing it to curve like a snake.

Intervertebral Discs

Fibrocartilaginous discs that provide cushioning and mobility to the spine; they depend on changes in posture and body movement to generate a pumping action that brings in nutrients and flushes metabolic waste.

Annulus Fibrosus Weakening

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc where it becomes less resilient due to age, injury, or improper use, weakening the annulus fibrosus and making movement harder.

Inner Core

Deeper muscles that should be activated first to stabilize the trunk and pelvis, with the diaphragm serving as a primary example.

Outer Core

Large, superficial muscles located on the outside that generate movement, produce force, and handle heavy external loads, with the rectus abdominis serving as a primary example.

Frontal Plane Pelvic Motion

Pelvic movements occurring in the frontal plane, characterized by pelvic hike and pelvic drop.

Transverse Plane Pelvic Motion

Pelvic rotations occurring in the transverse plane, characterized by forward and backward rotational movements.