Foundations of Structural Kinesiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology from the lecture on Foundations of Structural Kinesiology.

Kinesiology

The study of motion or human movement.

Anatomic Kinesiology

The study of the human musculoskeletal and musculotendinous systems.

Biomechanics

The application of mechanical physics to human motion.

Structural Kinesiology

The study of muscles as they are involved in the science of movement.

Musculoskeletal System

The organ system that enables humans to move using the muscular and skeletal systems.

Reference Position

The basis from which to describe joint movements, including anatomical and fundamental positions.

Anatomical Position

Standing upright, facing straight ahead, with feet parallel and palms facing forward.

Fundamental Position

Similar to anatomical position but with arms at the sides and palms facing the body.

Mid-axillary Line

A line running vertically down the surface of the body passing through the apex of the axilla (armpit).

Anterior Axillary Line

A line that is parallel to the mid-axillary line and passes through the anterior axillary skinfold.

Inferior

Below in relation to another structure.

Superior

Above in relation to another structure.

Contralateral

Pertaining or relating to the opposite side.

Ipsilateral

On the same side.

Bilateral

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

Proximal

Nearest the trunk or the point of origin.

Distal

Situated away from the center or midline of the body.

Lateral

On or to the side; outside, farther from the median or midsagittal plane.

Medial

Relating to the middle or center; nearer to the median or midsagittal plane.

Cardinal Planes of Motion

Three basic planes in relation to the body: Sagittal, Frontal, and Transverse.

Sagittal Plane

Divides the body into equal right and left halves.

Frontal Plane (Coronal Plane)

Divides the body into anterior and posterior halves.

Transverse Plane

Divides the body into superior and inferior halves.

Axes of Rotation

Axes around which movements occur in planes.

Vertical Axis

Runs straight down through the top of the head and is at a right angle to the transverse plane.

Diagonal Planes of Motion

Planes that involve movement that is not strictly within the cardinal planes.