FSMTB MBLEx Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination Exam Practice Test

During a forced exhalation, the abdominal muscles are engaged to assist the expulsion of air from the lungs.

A joint that feels restricted and lacking in movement is hypomobile. A joint that is lax and loose would be hypermobile.

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.

The AC joint is the acromioclavicular joint located at the junction of the acromion process and the clavicle. The AC joint is assessed to indicate the symmetry of the shoulder.

The temporalis muscle has one action and that is to clench the jaw during mastication. The best way to locate and palpate the temporalis muscle is to instruct the client to clench and release their jaw while the therapist feels for the origin and insertion of muscle fibers along the temporal bone.

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.

The brachial plexus is the nerve bundle that serves the arm and most of the shoulder.

The nucleus comprised of the nucleolus, chromatin and chromosomes is the command center of a cell. Lysosomes act as the cells digestive system.

There are times when undraping sensitive areas for treatment is within the scope of practice of massage. However, a massage therapist who routinely drapes in an unprofessional manner is breaking a standard of conduct indicated in the massage code of ethics.

Cubital refers to the elbow and will indicate that region when used with anatomical terms as cubital fossa, cubital tunnel and median cubital vein.

The term celiac describes the location of the abdomen and is used to describe the location of nerves as in the celiac plexus or the location of cardiovascular tissue as in the celiac artery. Celiac disease denotes the location of the disease located in the abdominal region.

Scalene muscles are typically reposed during normal respiration and only come into action during heavy exertion or forced inhalation. However, in a faulty breathing pattern, the scalene (along with the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCMS and pec minor) become primary breathing muscles and are active with each inspiration. This additional stress leads to the development of trigger points within these muscles. Assisting the client to correct their breathing pattern is as essential to rehabilitation as is releasing the hypertonic muscles.

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.

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

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.

The O is for objective, which is based on a therapist’s visual and physical findings of the client.

A visual assessment can be a powerful tool in determining a client’s muscular and structural symmetry and deviation. The findings of the assessment help the massage therapist create effective treatment plans.

Tennis elbow affects the extensor muscles of the forearm and is attributed to the tearing of flexor muscles during impact of a back hand swing.

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.

Nephro and nephr both refer to the kidneys. An example is nephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys.

The radial nerve divides into the superficial dorsal digital nerves and the deeper posterior interosseous nerve, located at the posterior aspect of the forearm.

Zoning ordinances and regulations are local laws that govern how a property can be used. Always check with the local municipality before making any major changes to a home or office.

Disclosing all of the details about a treatment to a client gives them the opportunity to decide how to proceed and is part of the process to obtain informed consent.

A strict order to not treat by a medical doctor should always be honored, especially in the case of a medical condition that can be adversely affected by massage. If the client insists on massage, then the massage therapist should recommend that the client obtain a second opinion and an authorization letter or prescription from another doctor.

The Wright’s hyperabduction test raises the client’s arms above their heads through abduction which stretch tightens the pectoralis minor. A change in the radial pulse indicates a positive test for impingement by the pectoralis minor.

All directional terms use the anatomical position as the standard point of reference. The term “distal” refers to a structure that is located away from a base structure - for example, the hand is distal to the elbow.

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

A range of motion assessment is achieved by testing the joints capsular pattern, which will indicate any limitations by structure or function..

The mesencephalon is also known as the midbrain, and is associated with arousal, hearing, motor control, vision, sleeping patterns and more.

Communication is a very important component of the client/therapist relationship. A therapist who prefers the feedback and open communication from a client is justified to decline work if the client cannot communicate with the massage therapist.

The brachial artery continues from the axillary artery and runs between the triceps and biceps brachii. The pulse of the brachial artery can be palpated between these muscles on the anterior side of the arm.

All aspects of the integumentary system are affected by aging. These changes result in thinning of the skin layers, fewer active hair follicles, leading to thin, sparse hair and sebaceous activity, and reduced blood supply. There is also dryness due to reduced sweat.

According to the American Orthopeadic Society for Sports Medicine, dry weather has an effect on non-contact ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries of football players. Extrinsic factors for injury are forces that act from outside the human body. In this case, the uncommonly dry weather is an extrinsic factor of injury.

The epiglottis is a fold of cartilaginous tissue located above the glottis in the pharynx. During normal swallowing the larynx moves upward and the epiglottis folds over the glottis. This prevents substances from entering the respiratory system.

Nerves that send messages to the central nervous system (CNS) are called afferent nerves. Sensory receptors are examples of afferent nerves. The nerves that send messages from the CNS to the body are called efferent nerves. Somatic nerves are an example of efferent nerves.

Neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils are the three types of granular leukocytes (white blood cells) of the immune system which consume infectious diseases and foreign materials.

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.

The “molecular unit of currency” is often used to describe the importance of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to cellular functions within the body.

The Arndt-Schultz Law states that a weak stimulus will have no effect on a physiological process, that an intermediate stimulus will promote a physiological process whereas a strong stimulus will inhibit a physiological process.

The second role, as a professional, is as important as the first role. One can be the greatest massage therapist in the world, but if the massage therapist does not abide by the guidelines, ethics and laws set forth for the profession, then the therapist can do more harm than good to those who seek their help.

Deep pain on the bone with symptoms of infection are an indication of osteomyelitis. The only other option would by myositis, which is an inflammation of skeletal muscles. Since the client is experiencing deep pain on the bone, the indication would be osteomyelitis.

ABCDE refers to irregularities in skin. A - asymmetrical shape of skin B - border unevenness C - color variations D - diameter E - evolution Any changes in the ABCDE category is cause for a referral to a dermatologist.

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.

Serum is the blood plasma that is separated from white and red blood cells as well as the fibrinogens. Serum contains the antibodies, antigens, electrolytes, hormones and any exogenous substances (drugs, pathogens, etc)

A latent trigger point only produces pain during palpation.

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.

There are two types: myelinating and nonmyelating. Myelinating Schwann cells wrap around axons of motor and sensory neurons to form the myelin sheath, which acts to protect and support nerve functioning. Non-myelinating Schwann cells are involved with maintaining the health and vitality of the axon or nerve fiber.

The tibial nerve is a distal branch of the sciatic nerve which passes through the popliteal fossa where it divides into the medial and lateral plantar nerves.

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.

Stratum lucidum is a translucent buildup of two to three layers of dead skin cells typically found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Stratum lucidum is located between the deeper stratum granulosum and the more superficial stratum corneum layers of skin. The thickness of stratum layers of cells is governed by the rate of mitosis (cellular division.)

Postural muscles work to sustain your posture within the gravity field. Both the pectoralis major and scalene muscles contribute to the postural integrity of the human body. Postural muscles consist of slow twitch fibers and are best suited for sustained work. They are also prone to hypertonicities.

When the body is exposed to prolonged heat, more blood is shunted to superficial veins in order to lower body temperature. This results in decreased venous return to the heart. The resulting lowered cardiac output causes less oxygenated blood to reach the brain, causing dizziness and fainting.

The mitochondria within a cell handles the task of breaking down glucose molecules to release energy.

The trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate comprise the distal row of carpal bones of the hand. The scaphoid lunate, triquetrum and pisiform comprise the proximal row of carpals.

A reflex arc is a neural pathway that allows for the activation of spinal motor neurons to trigger without involving the brain for a response.

Malpractice insurance is not required by Federal law. Regulations on massage vary from state to state. However, to adhere to sound business practices and for the protection of yourself and your clients, malpractice insurance is considered a necessity within the massage community.

Before starting treatment with a client, a massage therapist must first understand what the nature of the client’s complaint is, whether the condition is indicated or contraindicated or if a referral is necessary. Once the therapy session is complete, an assessment is necessary to determine the benefit of the treatment to the client.

The clavicle connects to the scapula at the acromion process and this juncture is called the acromioclavicular joint.

Carbohydrate digestions occurs mainly in the small intestine where the pancreatic digestive enzyme amylase converts starches into maltose which is then converted to glucose by the enzyme maltase. Sucrase converts sucrose to glucose and lactase converts lactose to glucose in the small intestine as well.

A nerve impulse is also known as an action potential, which is an electrical current that runs along a nerve pathway that can trigger a response in other cells.

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

The adrenal glands, known for releasing “fight or flight” hormones in response to stressors, are located superiorly to the kidneys.

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.

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.

Sometimes a client can develop complex issues and it is important for a massage professional to “check in” with their own personal scope of practice to insure a healthy therapeutic relationship. In this case, the massage therapist should recommend another practitioner with special training to better assist the client.

The plasma membrane is made of two layers of fat molecules that contain phosphorus and is also known as the phospholipid bilayer.

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.

A pathogenic barrier is also known as a resistive barrier, which is the first sign of resistance against a movement during a range of motion assessment.

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.

The musculotendinous junction is formed between the muscle and its respective tendon.

The anatomical term “linea” refers to a line or long ridge, such as the attachment site of the hamstrings along the linea aspera on the posterior aspect of the femur.

Guyon’s canal syndrome is a compression of the ulnar nerve between the hook of the hamate and the pisiform bones located in the palm of the hand.

The cell is the basic building block of all living things. Cells are organized into tissues having specialized properties and functions. Tissues are further organized into organs (and organ systems).

An active trigger point is a muscle knot that causes pain at all times.