Anatomy & Physiology for Aerial Fitness Flashcards

Which connective tissue structure connects the infraspinatus and teres minor to the greater tubercle of the humerus?

Answer: Tendon

Tendons are dense fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bone; both infraspinatus and teres minor attach via tendons to the greater tubercle.

An aerial student develops chronic forearm pain from repeated silk climbing. The most common overuse tendinopathy in this scenario affects the:

Answer: Flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus tendons at the wrist/forearm

Repeated gripping in silk climbing loads the finger flexor tendons, making flexor digitorum overuse tendinopathy the most common aerial forearm complaint.

During an overhead grip on aerial apparatus, which position of the shoulder externally rotates the humerus and reduces subacromial impingement risk?

Answer: Supinated forearm with externally rotated shoulder

External humeral rotation with a supinated grip opens the subacromial space, reducing the risk of impingement during overhead movements.

The primary function of the biceps brachii in aerial pulling movements is:

Answer: Elbow flexion and forearm supination

The biceps brachii flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm, both of which are critical actions during pulling and climbing in aerial arts.

Osteoporosis risk is a long-term concern for elite aerial dancers who experience amenorrhea because low estrogen leads to:

Answer: Decreased bone mineral density

Estrogen inhibits osteoclast activity; when estrogen drops due to amenorrhea, bone resorption exceeds formation, reducing bone mineral density.

Which aspect of the hip joint provides the greatest bony stability and limits excessive hip extension during aerial back bends?

Answer: Anterior bony rim of the acetabulum and the iliofemoral ligament

The anterior acetabular rim and the Y-shaped iliofemoral ligament (strongest in the body) are the primary bony and ligamentous restraints to hip hyperextension.

A student experiences lightheadedness immediately after coming out of a prolonged inversion in aerial silks. This is most likely caused by:

Answer: Orthostatic hypotension as blood redistributes away from the brain

When returning from inversion, blood rapidly pools in the lower extremities due to gravity, transiently reducing cerebral perfusion and causing lightheadedness.