A sulcus is the anatomical term for a furrow, fissure, crevice or a groove in the human body. Two examples are the central sulcus of the cerebellum which divides the frontal and parietal lobes, and the radial sulcus along the lateral border of the humerus which houses the radial nerve and the deep brachial artery.

An antigen is a substance either foreign or internal that triggers an immune response. This response is triggered by a histocompatibility molecule within each cell that can trigger an immune response.

The collection of specialized heart muscle cells which regulate the heart beat was discovered by the Swiss cardiologist Wilhelm His in 1893 and this given the name, Bundle of His.

It is important to know what the names of muscles refer to when remembering their locations. In this case, deltoid means triangular and, thus, the deltoid muscle is a triangular muscle.

A salt glow is a treatment in which the practitioner applies sea salts to the body in a rubbing fashion to exfoliate the skin.

The occipital muscles act to anchor the head during mastication but add stress and strain to the temporalis and masseter when the occipitals are hypertonic.

A condyle is a large rounded area on a bone, usually at a joint articulation. A trochanter is a large projection from a bone. A spine or spinous process is a flat ridge-like flange protruding from a bone, typically a vertebra.

The knowledge base refers to education and special training/skills for providing care. The practice parameters refer to conduct and environment. These two combined explain the basic concept of the scope of practice.

The massage code of ethics is a standard of conduct that defines ethical behavior for a massage therapist. The question lists principles of the massage code of ethics.

The time to collect information about a physical complaint or injury is during the intake process.

Massage is contraindicated for fever and/or inflamed, swollen tissue. Osteomyelitis is a very serious infection that can result in amputation or possible death. Canceling the appointment and advising the client to seek immediate medical attention is the best course of action.

The concern with fraternizing with clients outside of the therapeutic environment is to avoid the possibility of creating a dual relationship.

Protons located within the nucleus are counted to determine the atomic number of an atom. This is different than the atomic mass which is a count of the total count of neutrons and protons within a nucleus.

Phantom pain is a phenomenon where a person experiences sensations of a limb or body part after it has been amputated. Phantom sensations have also occurred in people with removed organs and after a mastectomy.

The tendinoperiosteal junction is located between tendon and bone.

There are various forms of myocytes in the body, but it is the cardiac myosytes that are responsible for generating the electrical impulses that control heart rate.

Stretch reflex or myotatic reflex is an automatic muscle contraction in response to a stretching of muscle fibers. In this case, during the event of losing balance, muscles are stretched and triggered to automatically contract as a means of regaining balance.

Olfaction is the sense of smell. Special sensory cells in the nasal cavity called olfactory sensors are designed to transmit the sense of smell via the detection of odor molecules.

TART is an acronym for a soft tissue assessment protocol. T- Texture and tonicity of superficial and deep layers of tissue. A - Asymmetry and bilateral differences between body structures in reference to color, function, temperature and tonicity. R - Range of motion. An assessment of joint health and function. T - Tenderness or pain and discomfort in an area or specific tissues.

FSH or follicle stimulating hormone, produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland regulates the reproductive processes of the body, including development, growth and maturation.

All the muscles listed in the question are examples of postural muscles. Postural muscles are slow twitch and highly susceptible to hypertonicity in over-use and under-use scenarios.

The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland that produces seratonin, the hormone that regulates sleep patterns.

The purpose of a functional assessment is to evaluate movement patterns and whether they are restricted, painful, exaggerated or normal in function.

During a postural assessment evaluation, it is important to note both intrinsic and extrinsic factors for postural deviations. An intrinsic factor would be an internal issue and therefore includes physical abnormalities as a shortened leg. ; An improperly fitted shoe would be an example of an extrinsic factor upon the body.

The extensor carpi ulnaris acts to both extend and adduct the wrist.

The valve between the stomach and the small intestine is the pyloric valve also known as the pylorus or pyloric sphincter.

Assisting a client through an active movement is active-assisted ROM. This is used to test for muscle adhesions, muscle strengths and muscle weakness.

The ulnar nerve runs along the ulna and into the pinky finger and medial half of the ring finger.

The anatomical term “condyle” refers to a rounded articular process as in the medial or lateral condyles of the femur which articulate with the condyles of the tibia.

A client that expresses feelings above and beyond the typical role as a client is seen as demonstrating transference. Being overly special can be seen as a red flag, especially in early stages of the therapeutic relationship.

The anatomical term “foramen” refers to a hole or opening for nerves or tissues to pass through as in the foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone on the skull which allows several nerves, arteries and veins to pass through.

Tibialis anterior muscle inserts into the medial or first cuneiform bone and the first metatarsal of the foot.

Hard end feel is the natural sensation at the end range of motion where bone meets bone such as elbow or knee extension. Since a hard end feel would indicate that the client’s joints are functioning normally, there would typically be no pain experienced.

Auscultation is the Latin term for listening. Many health professionals use a stethoscope to apply the highly developed skill of auscultation to assess the heart, lungs and digestive system of their patients.

Diffusion is the process where an area of higher concentration naturally flows into an area of lower concentration. Upon inspiration of air into the lungs, the alveolar sac is full of oxygen and the surrounding tissue is saturated with carbon dioxide rich blood. Next, the process of diffusion allows oxygen to flow into the blood from the alveolar sacs and carbon dioxide to flow from the blood into the alveolar sacs where it will be released through exhalation.

Phasic muscles are fast twitch muscles and are best suited for quick movements. The triceps brachii and deltoid muscles are typically used for movements and do not have a postural role. They are also prone to inhibition as well as fatigue.

Any client who routinely requests to explore beyond the professional environment is testing the boundaries and professionalism of the therapist. Remember, the therapist is always at fault for allowing a breach of professional boundaries. The repercussions can lead to a hefty fine and/or loss of a massage license.

Psychosomatic pain is often caused by emotional distress and thus has no know physical cause. Psychosomatic pain can be a result from a broken heart after a break up, feelings of being inadequate or from any number of depressive thought patterns.

The suffix -plegia refers to a paralysis and is added to root words to distinguish a paralysis of that particular region or structure. An example is hemiplegia, which describes a paralysis on one half of the body.

The vastus lateralis is the largest quadriceps muscle with its origin starting superiorly to the intertrochanteric line and inserting into the lateral border of the patella.

Reciprocal inhibition is used to relax a muscle on one side of a joint by contracting the muscle on the other side of the joint. This is used to assist the reduction of a muscular tonicity. Caution should be used to prevent a simultaneous contraction which could result in a cramp or muscle tear.

Costoclavicular test is often used to determine a brachial plexus compression syndrome. The costoclavicular test is also known as the military position test since the client rotates shoulders back and thrusts chest forward much like standing at attention. The practitioner feels for changes in the radial pulse to indicate a compression syndrome.

The brachial plexus is a nerve bundle that supplies the arm and hand. The root of the nerve innervates the scalene muscles where a hypertonicity can compress the nerve plexus as well as the subclavian artery and vein.

The tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissue located just behind the tongue at the back of the throat. Tonsils are the first line of defense against inhaled or ingested pathogens and are part of the immune system.

Elements are pure substances that are composed of a single type of atom. The fourth element missing from this statement is nitrogen, which is a key component of the amino acid chains that comprise proteins. Nitrogen is also found in the DNA and RNA of our gene codes.

The cerebral cortex is the largest part of the brain and plays a key role in awareness, communication, consciousness and memory.

A massage practitioner should never work outside of his or her scope of practice. There are many therapists with varying degrees of training and expertise. The best option is to refer the client to another therapist or medical practitioner with the proper training to better assist the client’s needs.

Boundaries are integral to maintaining a healthy physical and emotional space within the therapeutic relationship.

The alimentary canal is the passageway from the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and ends at the anus. This canal is also the digestive tract.

The A is for assessment, which is a summary of our findings.

A person who has been in an auto accident could have any number of injuries including shock. For the safety of the client and your protection as a therapist, the best recommendation is to refer the client for a medical evaluation before any treatment is considered.

The radial nerve runs a path from the brachial plexus between the scapula and the rib cage and through the tricep muscle along the posterior arm and through the extensors of the forearm and into the back of the hand.

The radial nerve innervates all muscles of the posterior arm and this includes the triceps muscle.

The valve between the stomach and the small intestine is the pyloric valve also known as the pylorus or pyloric sphincter.

The digestive tract contains a smooth muscle cell layer (the muscularis externa) having no motor innervation. Pacemaker cells located throughout the digestive tract send signals to the muscularis externa. This causes rhythmic waves of muscular contraction and propels material through the digestive tract.

The outside layer of the myelin sheath is called the neurilemma.

Power imbalances occur naturally when one person is perceived as being an authority over another in a certain situation. This is why the dynamics between a client and a professional of all backgrounds has the capability of becoming emotionally unbalanced if left unchecked.

The purpose of the excretory system is to regulate the chemical composition of the body by removing metabolic waste and to monitor the proper amount of water, salts and nutrients. The integumentary, digestive and respiratory system all play a minor role in the excretory system. However, the urinary system is responsible for the excretion of fluid to maintain homeostasis.

A grade 4 whiplash is a critical condition associated with extreme neck pain, cervical fractures and/or dislocations, possible spinal cord injury and serious soft tissue damage. Massage is contraindicated until the condition is stabilized and a medical release is provided.

The Apley’s scratch test requires a client to reach behind their back, one hand from above reaching down and the other hand from behind reaching up to scratch between the shoulder blades. The test is designed to assess the range of motion of both shoulders in each direction. The client then repeats the action with the opposite hand to measure range of motion in the other direction.

The Phalen’s test requires the client to firmly press the backs of the hands together for a duration up to a minute. If the client experiences pain, tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and lateral half of the ring finger along the palmar side, then the test is positive for a carpal tunnel compression. The test can be done in reverse with palms pressed firmly together.

Foreign objects, including food, can become lodged in the larynx or trachea (windpipe). These can often be expelled by coughing. If the person can speak or make sounds, the airway is open and there is no emergency. If the person cannot breathe or speak, there is an immediate threat of death by asphyxiation and emergency measures are needed. The Heimlich maneuver is the correct first emergency remedial action to take.

Nervousness, a racing heart, trembling hands and anxiety are all common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones which speed up chemical processes and metabolism within the body. The other answers are symptoms of hypothyroidism.

When a therapist applies force against an active movement during an assessment, they are providing resistive ROM. This is used to test for muscle strength and weakness.

The P is for plan, which details what the next step is for the client. The plan could suggest stretch and exercise options, whether there should be additional care with a doctor or determine future visits with the practitioner.

Tantra is a Sanskrit word meaning expanding liberation and has a place amongst certain spiritual practices. However, tantric massage is often associated with massage that focuses on various levels of “sexual healing“ and, therefore, an establishment seeking a tantric massage practitioner is outside the code of ethics of the massage profession.

HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was established in 1996 to restrict access to individuals private medical records in an effort to protect patient/client rights.

There are two bones that make the shoulder girdle - the clavicle and the scapula.

The linea aspera is comprised of three raised ridges along the posterior aspect of the femur. These ridges include a lateral, intermediate and medial and are caused by the insertion of muscles along each line.

The question describes the fundamentals of framework. A framework is all encompassing within the massage field and includes the values and visions, conception, design and desires of a massage therapist as they apply to a business model. Developing a solid framework is essential to creating a healthy and successful practice.

Client autonomy is when the practitioner keeps the client up to date about any possible changes or adjustments that can affect the client. This gives the client a chance to choose their course of action with the practitioner.

FSH or follicle stimulating hormone, produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland regulates the reproductive processes of the body, including development, growth and maturation.