Massage Exam Study Guide

A set of flashcards covering anatomical planes, muscle origins/insertions, contractions, and muscle interactions from the massage exam notes.

What is the transverse plane and what does it divide?

A horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts (hamburger style).

What does superior mean?

Toward the head or upper part of the body.

What does inferior mean?

Toward the feet or lower part of the body.

What is the sagittal plane and how does it divide the body?

A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right halves (hot dog style).

What is the coronal (frontal) plane and how does it divide the body?

A vertical plane that divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.

Define medial aspect.

Toward the midline of the body.

Define lateral aspect.

Away from the midline of the body.

Define distal aspect.

Farthest point from the origin for a limb (e.g., fingertips).

Define proximal.

Closest point to the origin for a limb (e.g., top of the arm).

What is the origin of a muscle?

The attachment of a muscle to an immovable bone, usually more proximal.

What is the insertion of a muscle?

The attachment of a muscle to a movable bone, usually more distal.

What is an isometric contraction?

A contraction where the ends of the muscle do not move (no change in muscle length).

What is an isotonic contraction?

A contraction where the distance between the ends of the muscle changes.

What happens in a concentric contraction?

Distance between the ends of the contracting muscle decreases (the muscle shortens).

What happens in an eccentric contraction?

Distance between the ends of the contracting muscle increases (the muscle lengthens).

Define a prime mover (agonist).

The primary muscle responsible for a specific movement.

Define antagonist.

The muscle that performs the opposite movement of the agonist.

What are synergists?

Muscles that assist the agonist in performing a movement.

What is a fixator?

Muscles that stabilize a body part so that another muscle can act on an adjacent limb or body part.

In a bench press, which muscles act as the agonist, and which stabilize as fixators or assist as synergists?

Pectorals are the agonist; synergists include the anterior deltoids and triceps brachii; fixators include rotator cuff muscles, scapular stabilizers, and core muscles.