Biomechanics

What is Biomechanics?

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.

Where are the attachments for the flexor pollicis longus?

The flexor pollicis longus attaches to the anterior surface of the radius and the interosseous membrane, and it inserts on the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb.

What is the normal angle of inclination between the femoral neck axis and the medial shaft of the femur?

The normal angle of inclination is typically around 125 degrees.

Describe the innervation of the trapezius.

The trapezius is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and cervical nerves C3 and C4.

Define kinematics.

Kinematics is the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion.

Where are the attachments for the brachialis?

The brachialis attaches to the anterior surface of the humerus and the coronoid process of the ulna.

What are the primary curves of the spine?

The primary curves of the spine are the thoracic and sacral curves.

What provides innervation to the extensor pollicis longus?

The extensor pollicis longus is innervated by the radial nerve.

What do the following muscles have in common regarding function: extensor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor digitorum?

They all function to move the wrist and fingers.

Where are the attachments for the quadratus lumborum?

The quadratus lumborum attaches to the iliac crest and the lumbar vertebrae.

What provides innervation to the popliteus?

The popliteus is innervated by the tibial nerve.

Where are the attachments for the tensor fasciae latae?

The tensor fasciae latae attaches to the anterior iliac crest and the iliotibial band.

What is the term for the application of 1+ forces that pulls apart or separates a material?

This is known as a distraction force.

What are the antagonists to the tibialis anterior?

The antagonists to the tibialis anterior are the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Which of Newton's Laws states that 'for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'?

This is Newton's Third Law of Motion.

What is the term for the description of the motion of bones relative to the three cardinal planes?

This is known as osteokinematics.

Describe the position of function for the hand.

The position of function for the hand is typically a position of slight wrist extension and finger flexion.

What provides innervation to the abductor digiti minimi?

The abductor digiti minimi is innervated by the ulnar nerve.

What is the formula for calculating force?

The formula for calculating force is F = m * a, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

Where is the pivot point or fulcrum located in musculoskeletal levers?

The pivot point or fulcrum is located at the joint.

Shin splints (usually) are an example of which type of force?

Shin splints are typically an example of a tensile force.

Where are the attachments for the gracilis?

The gracilis attaches to the inferior ramus of the pubis and the medial surface of the tibia.

What is the angle of inclination of the humeral head with the long axis of the humeral shaft?

The angle of inclination is typically about 135 degrees.

Using a wrench is an everyday example of which type of movement?

Using a wrench is an example of lever movement.

When a bone with concavity moves on the convex surface, in which directions does the concave articulation move?

The concave articulation moves in the same direction as the bone.

What is the primary stabilizer of the DRUJ?

The primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).

What is the ratio of stress caused by an applied strain?

This ratio is known as the modulus of elasticity.

The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is an example of which type of joint?

It is an example of a saddle joint.

Beyond neutral, about how many degrees does the hip adduct?

The hip adducts approximately 30 degrees beyond neutral.

Forces across objects are typically represented by arrows. What is the scientific term for these arrows?

These arrows are called vectors.

What is the term for the resistance of movement between two contacting surfaces?

This is known as friction.

List all the muscular attachments to the scapula.

The muscular attachments to the scapula include the trapezius, rhomboids, serratus anterior, deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and teres major.

What is the acceleration rate of gravity?

The acceleration rate of gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s².

What are the primary hip flexors?

The primary hip flexors include the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, pectineus, and adductor longus.

In which plane and axis do hip abduction and adduction occur?

Hip abduction and adduction occur in the frontal plane around the anteroposterior axis.

What are the three components of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle?

The three components are the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and posterior talofibular ligament.

What is the term for the number of independent directions of movement allowed at a joint?

This is referred to as degrees of freedom.

What are the functions of the lateral collateral ligament of the knee?

The functions include providing stability to the knee and preventing excessive varus movement.

How many degrees of flexion does the AO joint have? How many degrees of extension does the AO joint have?

The atlanto-occipital (AO) joint allows about 15 degrees of flexion and 10 degrees of extension.

A hand therapist asks a client to touch his right little finger and thumb together. What hand function is the therapist testing?

The therapist is testing opposition.