OT Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which rotator cuff muscle is most commonly torn in overhead occupational tasks?
- Infraspinatus
- Supraspinatus (Correct answer)
- Subscapularis
- Teres minor
Correct answer: Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus tendon passes under the acromion and is most vulnerable to impingement and tearing during overhead activities.
Question 2: The brachial plexus originates from which spinal cord levels?
- C3–C7
- C5–T1 (Correct answer)
- C4–C8
- C6–T2
Correct answer: C5–T1
The brachial plexus is formed from the ventral rami of spinal nerves C5 through T1, innervating the upper extremity.
Question 3: Which carpal bone is most frequently fractured in a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH)?
- Lunate
- Trapezium
- Scaphoid (Correct answer)
- Hamate
Correct answer: Scaphoid
The scaphoid is fractured in about 70% of carpal fractures due to its position bridging the proximal and distal carpal rows during FOOSH impact.
Question 4: Which nerve is compressed in pronator teres syndrome, producing forearm pain and median nerve symptoms?
- Ulnar nerve
- Radial nerve
- Anterior interosseous nerve
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Median nerve
Pronator teres syndrome involves compression of the median nerve between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle in the proximal forearm.
Question 5: The interossei muscles of the hand are primarily innervated by which nerve?
- Median nerve
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve (Correct answer)
- Musculocutaneous nerve
Correct answer: Ulnar nerve
Both the palmar and dorsal interossei are innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8–T1).
Question 6: During elbow flexion, which muscle is the primary mover when the forearm is in neutral (mid-pronation/supination) position?
- Biceps brachii
- Brachioradialis
- Brachialis (Correct answer)
- Coracobrachialis
Correct answer: Brachialis
The brachialis is the most consistent elbow flexor regardless of forearm position, as it inserts on the ulnar tuberosity rather than the radius.
Question 7: Which structure forms the floor of the carpal tunnel?
- Flexor retinaculum
- Palmar aponeurosis
- Carpal bones (Correct answer)
- Pronator quadratus
Correct answer: Carpal bones
The carpal bones form the floor and sides of the carpal tunnel, while the flexor retinaculum forms the roof.
OT Anatomy & Physiology 2
Which rotator cuff muscle is most commonly torn in overhead occupational tasks?