Kinesiology Exam 3 Key Points Summary

Radiocarpal Joint

The joint of the wrist that allows flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and circumduction.

Flexion

Decreasing the angle between two bones or bending a limb at a joint.

Extension

Increasing the angle between two bones or straightening a limb at a joint.

Radial Deviation

Movement of the wrist towards the thumb side.

Ulnar Deviation

Movement of the wrist towards the little finger side.

Palmar Aponeurosis

A thick broad flat tendon overlying the central compartment of the palm, helping stabilize the skin of the palm.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A painful condition due to compression of the Median Nerve within the Carpal Tunnel, often resulting in paresthesia in the hand.

Extensor Retinaculum

A thickened band of fascia that holds the extensor tendons in place at the wrist.

Flexor Carpi Radialis

A muscle that originates at the medial epicondyle of the humerus and is responsible for flexion and radial deviation of the wrist.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus

A muscle that originates at the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and extends the wrist.

Opposition of the Thumb

The movement that allows the thumb to touch the pads of the fingers.

Proximal Transverse Arch

An arch that runs along the Carpometacarpal Joints, maintained by ligaments.

Lumbricals

Muscles that originate on the Flexor Digitorum Profundus tendons and are responsible for flexion of the MCP joints.

Boutonniere Deformity

A finger deformity characterized by flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint.

Swan Neck Deformity

A finger deformity characterized by hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint.

Tenodesis

The functional use of passive insufficiency, allowing for grasping and releasing without active finger movement.

Cylindrical Grasp

A type of grasp where all fingers and thumb are flexed around an object to secure it.

Trigger Finger

A condition resulting from thickening in the flexor tendon sheath, causing the finger to catch or lock.

Joint Contracture

A limitation in passive ROM of a joint due to shortening of periarticular connective tissues.

Total Active Range of Motion (TAM)

A measure of the total active flexion of the fingers minus any extension deficits.

Ulnar Drift

Displacement of the proximal phalanges at the MCP joints in an ulnar direction, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.