Functional Anatomy and Resistance Training Techniques

Anatomical Position

Standard reference position of the body used to describe locations, structures, and movements.

Sagittal Plane

Splits the body into left and right halves; involves forward and backward movements (e.g., lunge).

Frontal Plane

Splits the body into front and back halves; involves side-to-side movements (e.g., lateral raise).

Transverse Plane

Splits the body into top and bottom halves; involves rotational movements (e.g., oblique twist).

Midline

The median plane dividing the body into equal left and right sides.

Anterior

Located toward the front of the body.

Posterior

Located toward the back or rear of the body.

Proximal

Situated nearest to the point of attachment or origin.

Distal

Situated farthest from the point of attachment or origin.

Superior

Located above another given anatomical structure.

Inferior

Located below another given anatomical structure.

Medial

Situated toward the midline or center of the body.

Lateral

Situated away from the midline or center of the body.

Ipsilateral

Relating to or located on the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Relating to or located on the opposite side of the body.

Superficial

Located near or close to the surface of the body.

Deep

Extending further inward from the surface layer.

Prime Mover

The muscle required to perform the majority of mechanical work during an exercise.

Vertebral Column Regions

Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacrum (5 fused), and Coccyx (4 fused).

Neutral Spine

Proper postural alignment featuring natural lordotic and kyphotic curves to optimize movement and balance stress.

Lordosis

Exaggerated inward (anterior) curvature of the lumbar spine.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated outward (posterior) curvature of the thoracic spine.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Forward rotation of the top of the pelvis; increases the lordotic curve of the lumbar spine.

Posterior Pelvic Tilt

Backward rotation of the top of the pelvis; flattens or reduces the lumbar lordotic curve.

Rotator Cuff

Group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) that stabilize the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Girdle

Joint complex consisting of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints.

Tibial Translation

Potentially harmful translational force on the patellar tendon caused by knees migrating forward past the toes.