ACE Anatomy & Biomechanics Flashcards

Which joint action occurs at the knee during the downward phase of a squat?

Answer: Flexion (knee flexion)

During the downward phase of a squat the knee undergoes flexion, bending as the thigh and lower leg angle decreases.

What is the anatomical term for moving a limb away from the midline of the body?

Answer: Abduction

Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the body's midline, such as raising the arm laterally to shoulder height.

Which muscle group is the primary agonist during a hip hinge movement such as a deadlift or Romanian deadlift?

Answer: Hamstrings and gluteus maximus

The hamstrings and gluteus maximus are the primary movers during hip extension in a hip hinge, generating force to return the torso to upright.

What does the term 'neutral spine' refer to in group fitness instruction?

Answer: Maintaining the natural curves of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine

Neutral spine means preserving the natural lordotic and kyphotic curves of the spine, which distributes load optimally and reduces injury risk.

Which plane of motion do lateral raises and side lunges primarily occur in?

Answer: Frontal (coronal) plane

The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into front and back halves, and movements of abduction and adduction occur within it.

What is the role of the rotator cuff muscles in shoulder mechanics during overhead movements?

Answer: Stabilize the humeral head in the glenoid fossa and control joint mechanics

The four rotator cuff muscles (SITS) dynamically stabilize the glenohumeral joint by centering the humeral head during shoulder movements.