What is the study of Anatomy?

The study of anatomy refers to the study of the structures of the body.

There are various types of anatomy with which a massage therapist must be familiar. These are:

Clinically oriented anatomy
emphasizes structure and function as it relates to the practice of medicine and other health sciences

Surface anatomy
visualization of the structures that lie beneath the skin

Systemic anatomy
study of body systems

In reference to anatomy and other information a massage therapist needs to know:

Palpation is the forming clinical impression via touch. In addition to muscles and bones, pulses, reflexes, muscle contraction etc. are often palpated to get more information about a client’s condition.

Osteology is the study of bones

Massage Therapy Anatomy Review – Systems of the Body

There are 10 systems in the body.
1. integumentary system – skin and structures within it
2. skeletal – bones and cartilage
3. articular – joints and associated ligaments
4. muscular –
5. nervous – central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and peripheral nervous system (cranial and spinal nerves)
6. circulatory – cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) and lymphatic systems (lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes)
7. digestive or alimentary (organs associated with ingestion, digestion, absorption of food and elimination of its associated waste)
8. respiratory – air passages and lungs that supply oxygen to the body and eliminate carbon dioxide
9. urinary – kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra – which filter the blood and excrete waste (as urine)
10. reproductive – genitals and organs that are involved in reproduction
11. endocrine – glands and specialized cells that secrete horomones

Often the urinary and the reproductive systems are lumped together and are collectively known as the genitourinary system

Massage Therapy and Anatomy – Arthrology Definition

Arthrology is the study of joints.

Joints occur where the surfaces of 2 or more bones meet. An articulation is another term which refers to a “joint”

Why is arthrology important to massage therapy?

Massage therapists work with the musculoskeletal system. Clients may present with symptoms which may be confusing – it is necessary for a therapist to assess a client’s presentation and form a clinical impression – meaning, his or her opinion on the cause of the symptoms. (remember, massage therapists are not permitted to provide a diagnosis).

Muscles cross joints to produce movement, and any joint dysfunction may lead to muscular imbalance and pain. Muscle tone which doesn’t support a joint (hypotonic – meaning not enough tone), or restricts movement too much (hypertonic – meaning excessive tone), may cause pain in the joint itself.

For a therapist to successfully treat the underlying cause of any symptom, he or she must understand the relationship between muscles and the joints which they cross, as well as the anatomy of the joint itself.

Massage Therapy and Anatomy – C1, C2 and Arthrology

Question of May 8, 2009 – The C1 and C2 vertebrae are considered “atypical”. Why is this, and explain how the 2 vertebrae relate to each other.

C1 and C2 are considered “atypical” cervical vertebrae because their form and function differ from the other 5 cervical vertebrae.

C1, also known as the ‘atlas’, is a circular ring of bone, which consists of anterior and posterior arches and 2 lateral masses. On the superior surface of the lateral masses are the superior articular facets, on which sit the occipital condyles. This allows for a “nodding Yes” motion of the head. On the posterior surface of the anterior arch is the facet for the odontoid process of C2. (see below).

There are no intervertebral discs between C1 and C2.

C2, also known as the ‘axis’, is somewhat similar to other cervical vertebrae, except for the presence of the “dens” or odontoid process – a bony protrusion which projects upward and articulates with the anterior arch of C1. (it is held in place here by the transverse ligament which attaches on both lateral masses of C1). The axis allows for rotation of the head, as in shaking your head “no”

How is this relevant in Massage Therapy? – This is a very vulnerable part of the body, so understanding the anatomical structures in the area is necessary in the case where a therapist may have clients with a WAD injury (whiplash associated disorder). Clients who may have had a bad slip, fall or accident (car or otherwise) in which acceleration/deceleration occured may have the potential for instability in this area. It is important, ergo, for the client’s physician to give a green light for massage therapy treatment, and then for the therapist to proceed carefully.

Question for today (easier today)

What does the term arthrology mean?

Massage Therapy and Anatomy – Cervical Vertebrae C1 & C2

Question of May 5th

Q: If the thoracic and sacral curves are considered primary, what spinal curves are considered secondary? What is a factor in the development of secondary spinal curves?

Answer: The cervical and lumbar lordotic curves are considered secondary. Weight bearing is the main factor in development of these curves – the cervical lordotic curve will develop first as a baby starts to move his or her head; the lumbar lordosis will develop when he or she learns to sit up and starts to bear weight.

Question of the Day
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are considered “atypical”. Why is this, and explain how the 2 vertebrae relate to each other.

Massage Therapy and Anatomy – Secondary Spinal Curves

Question of April 28
What are the 4 spinal curves present in the adult spine? Of these, which are considered “primary” curvatures, and why are they known as this?

A: The four spinal curves present in adults are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Of these 4 curves, both the thoracic and sacral are considered “primary” as they are present at birth.

Question for today:
Q: If the thoracic and sacral curves are considered primary, what spinal curves are considered secondary? What is a factor in the development of secondary spinal curves?

Massage Therapy and Anatomy – Curves of the Spine

Response to question of April 19, 2009

Q: How are the movable vertebrae connected? In addition to movement, what other significant role do they play?

A: Intervertebral discs connect movable vertebrae, and they are also responsible for shock absorption.

Today’s Question:

Q: What are the 4 spinal curves present in the adult spine? Of these, which are considered “primary” curvatures, and why are they known as this?

Massage Anatomy review – Divisions of the spine, connection of Vertebrae

Question of April 15/09
How many divisions are there of the spine? (33 bones)
- There are 5 divisions of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx
- Cervical spine has 7 vertebrae, thoracic 12, lumbar 5, sacrum 5, coccyx 3 – 5 (fused)

Today’s Question
How are the movable vertebrae of the spine connected (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)? In addition to movement, what other significant role do they play?

Anatomy and the Massage Therapist – know your stuff!

Let’s face it people, massage therapy just isn’t effective unless you have a good working knowledge of anatomy. I will be adding posts several times a week with “Test your anatomy knowledge” questions, and answering them in the subsequent post. You may have to dig a little bit to find the answers, but hey, cracking a book never killed anyone, and this could be a really great review and/or learning experience.

Today I’ll start with an easy one:

How many divisions, or sections, are there of the spine? Within each division, how many bones are there?

Good luck!