Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Class #1
Dr. Jordan
www.drrobertjordan.com
Define the following Terms
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Anatomy
Physiology
Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Kinesiology
Touch
Palpation
You have 10mins
Definitions
Anatomy – the study of the structure
Physiology – the study of function
Musculoskeletal anatomy - study pertaining to the
muscular and skeletal structures
Kinesiology – “the study of muscles and body movement” Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
Touch – “to perceive by tactile sense; to feel with hands, to
palpate” – Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
Palpation - “examination by application of hands or fingers
to the external surface of the body to
detect…..abnormalities” - Tabers Cyclopedic Medical
Dictionary
Palpation
Palpation – requires receptive hands and fingers, open eyes, listening
ears, calm breath and a quiet mind
1. Locating a structure
2. Awareness of the characteristics
3. Assessing the quality or condition (to determine how to treat it)
B. Making contact
1.Responsive and receptive fingers and hands
2. Laying one hand on top of another for greater sensitivity and
stability
3. Smaller structures are best located with one or two fingertips
4. Larger structures are best located using whole hand
5. Closing your eyes occasionally will enhance awareness
Palpation
C. Working Hard vs. Working Smart
1. Working hard – searching too earnestly leads to diminished
mental and physical awareness. This leads to frustration, shallow
breaths and insensitive hands
2. Working smart – self-palpation first, read the information aloud, be
patient
D. Less is more
E. Rolling and Strumming
F. Movement and Stillness
G. Movement as a palpation tool
1. Passive movement
2. Active movement
3. Resisted movement
H. Three Principles of Palpation
1. Move slowly
2. Avoid excess pressure
3. Focus – on what you are feeling
Tissues and Structures that are
palpated
A. Skin
B. Bone
C. Muscle
D. Tendon
E. Ligament
F. Fascia
G. Artery and Vein
H. Bursa
I. Nerve
J. Lymph Node
Planes & Positions
V. Planes of the Body (p. 21)
A. Sagittal plane
B. Frontal (or coronal) plane
C. Transverse plane
VI. Positions and Directions (p. 21-30)
A. Superior / Inferior
B. Cranial / Caudal
C. Anterior / Posterior
D. Medial / Lateral
E. Proximal / distal
Overview and Identification of
Superficial Muscles
A. Muscle function – principle function of skeletal muscles
is to create movement between two bones. The action of
the muscle is called contraction.
B. Normal Muscle – has three attributes. Therapists assess
the first two attributes through palpation. This is
considered OBJECTIVE information as it can be verified
independent of the client. The client must communicate
the third attribute of tenderness to the therapist. This is
considered SUBJECTIVE information as the therapist
relies entirely on the client.
1. Smooth
2. Soft
3. Non- tender
Palpation of Superficial Muscles
and Actions
Muscles to be palpated:
Supine:
1. Frontalis
4. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
7. Biceps Brachii
10. Abdominal Obliques
13. Forearm Flexors
Prone:
1. Suboccipitals
3. Levator Scapula
5. Latissimus Dorsi
7. Forearm Extensors
9. Gluteus Maximus
11. Iliotibial band
13. Peroneals
2. Temporalis
5. Deltoid
8. Tbialis Ant.
11. Quadriceps
3. Masseter
6. Pectoralis Major
9. Rectus Abdominus
12. Adductors
2. Upper Trapezius
4. Rhomboids & Middle Trapezius
6. Triceps
8. Erector Spinae
10. Hamstrings
12. Gastrocnemius & Soleus (Calf)
Homework
A. Trail Guide Student Handbook
1. Identify Regions of the Body, p. 6
2. Identify Planes, Directions, Positions
and Movements #1, p. 7
3. Identify Planes, Directions, Positions
and Movements #2, p. 8
4. Identify Muscles, p. 16-18