Untitled Flashcards Set

Directional Terms

Words used to describe positions of body parts (e.g., anterior = front, posterior = back).

Axis of Rotation

An imaginary line around which a body part moves (e.g., shoulder rotates around a vertical axis).

Body Planes

Imaginary flat surfaces dividing the body into sections (sagittal, frontal, transverse).

Anatomical Position

Standard posture where a person stands upright, facing forward with arms at their sides and palms facing outward.

Kinetic Chain

The concept that body segments are connected and movement in one affects others.

Open Chain vs Closed Chain

Open chain: Distal part moves freely (e.g., bicep curl). Closed chain: Distal part is fixed (e.g., squat).

Uniaxial Joint

A joint that allows movement in one plane (e.g., elbow).

Biaxial Joint

A joint that allows movement in two planes (e.g., wrist).

Kinesiology

The study of human movement.

Biomechanics

The study of forces acting on the body during movement.

Kinetics

The study of forces that cause motion.

Mechanics

The study of motion and how forces affect it.

Gait

A person’s way of walking.

Hypermobile

When a joint moves beyond its normal range of motion.

Statics

The study of forces in non-moving systems.

Dynamics

The study of forces in moving systems.

Newton’s First Law of Motion

An object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by a force.

Newton’s Second Law of Motion

Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma).

Newton’s Third Law of Motion

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Center of Gravity

The point where body weight is evenly distributed.

Levers

Rigid structures that pivot around a point.

First-Class Lever

Fulcrum in the middle (e.g., seesaw).

Second-Class Lever

Resistance in the middle (e.g., wheelbarrow).

Third-Class Lever

Effort in the middle (e.g., bicep curl).

Linear Force

Forces acting in the same straight line.

Friction

The force that resists movement between two surfaces.

Traction

A force that pulls or stretches a body part.

Compression

A force that squeezes or pushes parts together.

Bending Force

A force that causes a structure to curve.

Shear Force

A force that causes layers of a structure to slide past each other.

Torsion

A force that twists a structure.

Torque

A force that creates rotation.

Synarthrosis Joint

An immovable joint.

Diarthrosis Joint

A freely movable joint (e.g., shoulder).

Types of Cartilage

Hyaline (covers joints), Fibrocartilage (shock absorption), Elastic (flexibility, found in ears/nose).

Types of End Feel

Hard (bone-on-bone), Soft (tissue stops movement), Firm (ligament or muscle resistance).

Concave/Convex Relationship

Describes how joint surfaces move relative to each other.

Fibrous Joint

An immovable joint.

Cartilaginous Joint

A slightly movable joint.

Synovial Joint

A freely movable joint.

Osteokinematics

Large joint movements like flexion and extension.

Arthrokinematics

Small joint movements such as roll, spin, and glide.

Roll, Spin, Glide

Types of joint movement.

Common Joint Pathologies

Includes arthritis, dislocations, sprains, and bursitis.