Comprehensive Study Notes on Structural Kinesiology

Manual of Structural Kinesiology

Anatomical System Overview

  • Reference: R.T. Floyd, A&P Chapter 1 (11-15), Floyd Chapter 1 (pp 1-11)

Learning Objectives

  • Describe Anatomical Positions: Identify the anatomical reference position(s).

  • Body Regions and Terminology: Identify the primary body regions and apply descriptive terminology correctly.

  • Directional Terms: Use anatomical directional terminology to describe positions of anatomical landmarks relative to each other.

  • Cardinal Planes of Motion: Identify the three cardinal planes of motion and the axes of rotation, providing real-life examples.

Kinesiology

  • Definition: Kinesiology is the study of the principles of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics in relation to human movement.

    • Physiology: Understanding intracellular processes related to bodily function.

    • Anatomy: Identification and description of musculoskeletal structures.

    • Biomechanics: Application of mechanical physics to human movement.

Anatomical Kinesiology

  • Definition: Study of neuromuscular, anatomical (bones, joints, and muscles), and biomechanical principles applied to human movement.

  • Components:

    • Bones: Framework for movement, varying in sizes and shapes that articulate to form joints.

    • Joints: Allow for movement of the skeleton.

    • Muscles: Generate tension which is transmitted to bones to result in movement at joints.

Importance of Studying Anatomical Kinesiology

  • Goals:

    • Build knowledge of all large muscle groups.

    • Understanding 'how' and 'what' in relation to conditioning and training.

    • Understanding 'why' specific exercises are performed in conditioning and training of athletes.

  • Relevance: Essential knowledge for coaches and physical educators, particularly aspects of exercise physiology and biomechanics.

Reference Positions

  • Defined as standardized bases for joint movements.

  • Fundamental Position: Similar to anatomical position but with palms facing inward.

  • Anatomical Position:

    • Standing upright.

    • Facing straight ahead.

    • Feet parallel and close together.

    • Palms facing forward.

Terminology: Regions of the Body

  • Nasal: Relating to the nose.

  • Otic: Relating to the ear.

  • Oral: Relating to the mouth.

  • Cervical: Relating to the neck.

  • Clavicular: Relating to the collar bone.

  • Acromial: Relating to the point of shoulder.

  • Cephalic: Relating to the head.

  • Frontal: Relating to the forehead.

  • Orbital: Relating to the eye.

  • Buccal: Relating to the cheek.

  • Mental: Relating to the chin.

  • Sternal: Relating to the breastbone.

  • Pectoral: Relating to the chest.

  • Axillary: Relating to the armpit.

  • Mammary: Relating to the breast.

  • Brachial: Relating to the upper arm.

  • Cubital: Relating to the elbow.

  • Antecubital: Relating to the front of the elbow.

  • Celiac or abdominal: Relating to the abdomen.

  • Inguinal: Relating to the groin.

  • Coxal: Relating to the hip.

  • Antebrachial: Relating to the forearm.

  • Carpal: Relating to the wrist.

  • Palmar: Relating to the palm.

  • Digital: Relating to the fingers.

  • Femoral: Relating to the thigh.

  • Patellar: Relating to the kneecap.

  • Crural: Relating to the leg.

  • Talus: Relating to the ankle.

  • Tarsal: Relating to the instep.

  • Plantar: Relating to the sole of the foot.

  • Genital: Relating to genitalia.

  • Dorsum of the foot: The upper surface of the foot.

Body Regions

  • Cephalic Region: Head.

  • Cervical Region: Neck and collar.

  • Trunk: Includes thorax, abdomen, back, pelvis, costal, coxal, lumbar, sternal, and thoracic regions.

  • Upper Extremity: Consists of acromial (shoulder), brachium (arm), axillary (armpit), antebrachium (forearm), carpal (wrist), and manus (hand).

  • Lower Extremity: Includes hip (coxa), thigh (femoral), leg (crural), and foot (pedal region).

Anatomical Directional Terminology

Orientation and Directional Terms (1 of 3)
  • Superior (cranial): Toward the head end or upper part of a structure; above.

    • Example: The head is superior to the abdomen.

  • Inferior (caudal): Away from the head end or toward the lower part of a structure; below.

    • Example: The navel is inferior to the chin.

  • Anterior (ventral): Toward or at the front of the body.

    • Example: The breastbone is anterior to the spine.

  • Posterior (dorsal): Toward or at the back of the body.

    • Example: The heart is posterior to the breastbone.

Orientation and Directional Terms (2 of 3)
  • Medial: Toward or at the midline of the body; on the inner side of.

    • Example: The heart is medial to the arm.

  • Lateral: Away from the midline of the body; on the outer side of.

    • Example: The arms are lateral to the chest.

  • Proximal: Closer to the origin of the body part or point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

    • Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.

  • Distal: Farther from the origin of a body part or point of attachment of a limb to the trunk.

    • Example: The knee is distal to the thigh.

Orientation and Directional Terms (3 of 3)
  • Superficial (external): Toward or at the body surface.

    • Example: The skin is superficial to the skeletal muscles.

  • Deep (internal): Away from the body surface; more internal.

    • Example: The lungs are deep to the skin.

Combinations of Directional Terminology

  • Anteroinferior: A combination of anterior and inferior.

  • Posterosuperior: A combination of posterior and superior.

  • Superomedial: A combination of superior and medial.

  • Inferolateral: A combination of inferior and lateral.

Contralateral, Ipsilateral, and Bilateral Terminology

  • Contralateral: Pertaining to the opposite side.

  • Ipsilateral: On the same side.

  • Bilateral: Relating to both sides of the body or of a body structure.

Terminology: Median, Dexter, and Sinister

  • Median: Relating to the middle or center, nearer to the median or midsagittal plane.

  • Dexter: Relating to, or situated to the right side.

  • Sinister: Relating to, or situated to the left side.

Anatomical Directional Terminology Positions

  • Cephalic: Above in relation to another structure; higher.

  • Caudal: Below in relation to another structure; inferior.

  • Prone: Body lying face downward; stomach lying.

  • Supine: Lying on the back; face upward position.

Volar, Palmar, and Plantar Terminology

  • Volar: Relating to the palm of the hand or sole of the foot.

  • Palmar: Relating specifically to the palm aspect of the hand.

  • Plantar: Relating to the sole or undersurface of the foot.

Spine Terminology

  • Recurvatum: Bending backward.

  • Valgus: Outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone/joint.

  • Varus: Inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone/joint.

  • Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine.

  • Kyphosis: Increased posterior curvature.

  • Lordosis: Increased anterior curvature.

Cardinal Planes of Motion

  • Definition: Imaginary two-dimensional surface through which a limb or body segment is moved; divides the body into halves.

  • Sagittal Plane (Anteroposterior Plane):

    • Divides the body into equal, bilateral segments (right & left half).

    • Involves generally flexion and extension movements.

    • Example: Sit-ups.

  • Frontal Plane (Lateral/Coronal Plane):

    • Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) halves.

    • Involves generally abduction/adduction movements.

    • Example: Jumping jacks.

  • Transverse Plane (Axial/Horizontal Plane):

    • Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves.

    • Involves rotational movements.

    • Example: Spinal rotation to the left or right.

Diagonal Planes of Motion

  • Movements usually involve all three planes of movement.

Axes of Rotation

  • Defines the movement in a plane, turning or rotating about an axis, demonstrating a 90º relationship between a plane and its axis of rotation.

Axes Types:
  • Frontal Axis:

    • Orientation: Same as frontal plane, anteroposterior.

    • Common Movements: Flexion and extension.

  • Sagittal Axis:

    • Orientation: Same as sagittal plane.

    • Common Movements: Abduction/adduction.

  • Long/Vertical Axis:

    • Orientation: Runs straight down through the top of the head.

    • Common Movements: Internal/external rotation.

  • Diagonal/Oblique Axis:

    • Runs at an angle, relevant to diagonal planes of motion.

Skeletal System Structure

  • Composed of:

    • Bones

    • Cartilage

    • Joints

    • Tendons

    • Ligaments

  • Represents ~20% of body mass.

Human Bone Count and Functions

  • Total Bones: 206 (in adults)

  • Axial Skeleton: 80 bones, primarily for protection and support.

  • Appendicular Skeleton: 126 bones, primarily for movement.

Axial Skeletal System Components:
  • Bony Structures:

    • Skull (cranium, facial bones).

    • Vertebral Column.

    • Thoracic Cage (sternum, ribs).

    • Functions:

    • Supports head, neck, trunk (upright posture).

    • Protects vital organs (brain, heart, lungs).

Appendicular Skeletal System Components:
  • Girdles: Shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle.

  • Appendages: Upper and lower limbs.

  • Function: Facilitates various movements.

Classification of Bones by Shape

  • Long Bones: Longer than wide (e.g., femur).

  • Short Bones: Cube-shaped (e.g., carpals).

  • Flat Bones: Thin and flat (e.g., sternum).

  • Irregular Bones: Complicated shapes (e.g., vertebrae).

  • Sesamoid Bones: “Floating bones” (e.g., patella).

Functional Importance of Bones

  • Movement:

    • Muscles generate tension and contract.

    • Tension relayed to tendons connecting muscles to bones.

    • Muscles pull on bones to cause movement at joints.

Conclusion

  • Key Takeaway: Understanding anatomical terminology is crucial for accurately describing the human body and its movements, facilitating both study and application in fields like kinesiology, physical education, and sports science.