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ACE-CPT · Chapter 17

Anatomy & Human Movement

How the human movement system produces motion — planes & axes, joint actions, muscle actions and roles, length-tension, force-couples, levers, and the full muscle reference.

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HMS · Planes & Axes · Joint Actions · Muscle Actions · Roles · Length-Tension · Force-Couples · Levers · Muscle Reference

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Chapter 17 Case Studies

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Planes of Motion, Joint Actions & Axes

PlaneDivides bodyJoint motionsAxis of rotationExamples
SagittalRight & left halvesFlexion / extension (ankle: dorsiflexion / plantarflexion)Frontal (coronal) axisBiceps curls, squats, walking, stair climbing
FrontalFront & back halvesAbduction / adduction, lateral flexion, eversion / inversionAnterior-posterior axisLateral raises, side lunges, side shuffles
TransverseUpper & lower halvesInternal / external rotation, L/R spinal rotation, pronation / supinationLongitudinal (vertical) axisCable rotations, throwing, swinging a bat

The Three Muscle Actions

Concentric — isolated functionMuscle shortens and accelerates a movement (e.g., lifting phase of a curl).
Eccentric — integrated functionMuscle lengthens under load and decelerates a movement; absorbs force (e.g., lowering phase).
Isometric — integrated functionMuscle produces force with no change in length and stabilizes a joint (e.g., plank).

The Four Muscle Roles

RoleWhat it does
AgonistPrime mover — drives the motion
AntagonistDirectly opposes the prime mover
SynergistAssists the prime mover
StabilizerSupports/holds while movers work
Hip extension exampleAgonist: gluteus maximus · Antagonist: psoas · Synergist: hamstrings · Stabilizer: deep core (TVA, multifidus)

Pronation vs Supination

Pronation (loading)Supination (push-off)
Eccentric — deceleratesConcentric — produces force
Tibia/femur internal rotationTibia/femur external rotation
Foot/ankle: dorsiflex, evert, abductFoot/ankle: plantarflex, invert, adduct
Knee/hip: flex, adduct, IRKnee/hip: extend, abduct, ER
Tri-planarBoth are multiplanar, synchronized motions occurring in all three planes at once.

Mechanics — Length-Tension, Couples, Levers

Length-tensionA muscle produces its greatest force at its optimal (resting) length. Chronically lengthened or shortened muscles lose force.
Force-coupleTwo+ muscles pulling in different directions to rotate a joint. Scapular upward rotation = upper trap + lower trap + serratus anterior.
LeversBones = levers · joints = fulcrums · muscles = force · body part/weight = resistance. 3 lever classes. Torque = force × distance from fulcrum.

Muscle Reference — Quick Facts

MuscleConcentric action
Gluteus maximusHip extension & external rotation
Gastrocnemius / soleusAnkle plantarflexion
Anterior tibialisDorsiflexion & inversion
Rectus femorisKnee extension & hip flexion
SubscapularisShoulder internal rotation
Infraspinatus / teres minorShoulder external rotation
Full referenceEvery muscle's origin, insertion, function & innervation lives in the Theory Guide →