Skip to content
Occupational Therapy (OTLE)

Anatomy & Kinesiology

"Future OTRP! Understanding the body is essential. Bones, muscles, and movement - the foundation of physical rehabilitation!"

1. Upper Extremity Anatomy 💪

OT focuses heavily on upper extremity function!

Shoulder Complex

  • Glenohumeral joint (ball and socket)
  • Rotator cuff: SITS (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis)
  • Movements: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation

Elbow & Forearm

  • Hinge joint (flexion/extension)
  • Pronation/Supination (forearm rotation)
  • Biceps = Flexion + Supination

Wrist & Hand

  • 8 carpal bones (Scaphoid most fractured)
  • Intrinsic muscles: Within the hand
  • Extrinsic muscles: Forearm, tendons cross wrist

Grip Types

  • Power grip: Full hand (cylindrical, spherical)
  • Precision grip: Fingertips (pincer, tripod)
  • Hook grip: Fingers only (carrying bag)

2. Kinesiology Basics 🏃

Planes of Motion

  • Sagittal: Divides left/right. Flexion/Extension.
  • Frontal (Coronal): Divides front/back. Abduction/Adduction.
  • Transverse: Divides top/bottom. Rotation.

Types of Muscle Contraction

  • Concentric: Muscle shortens (lifting)
  • Eccentric: Muscle lengthens under tension (lowering)
  • Isometric: No length change (holding)

Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) Grades

  • 0 = No contraction
  • 1 = Trace (visible/palpable twitch)
  • 2 = Poor (moves with gravity eliminated)
  • 3 = Fair (moves against gravity)
  • 4 = Good (moves against moderate resistance)
  • 5 = Normal (moves against full resistance)

3. Sensory Systems 🖐️

Tactile (Touch)

Light touch, pressure, texture discrimination

Proprioception

Joint position sense, movement awareness

Vestibular

Balance, head position, movement in space

Visual

Important for motor planning and spatial awareness

💡 Board Exam Tips - Anatomy & Kinesiology

  • Rotator Cuff = SITS (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis)
  • MMT Grade 3 = Fair = Against gravity only (no resistance)
  • Scaphoid = Most commonly fractured carpal bone (fall on outstretched hand)

Test Your Knowledge! 🧠

Ready ka na ba? Take the practice quiz for Anatomy & Kinesiology to reinforce what you just learned.

Start Practice Quiz 📝

📚 More from Occupational Therapy (OTLE)