Test yourself, November, 2001

Note: For each of the following questions (one for each chapter in Anatomy of Hatha Yoga), please answer in 100 or fewer words using complete sentences.

51. Outline briefly the anatomy of how sensory input gets into the spinal cord and how motor commands to skeletal muscles gets out.

52. In a supine posture, why does the abdominal wall come forward during relaxed inhalations?

53. What is the one word that best describes the shape and function of the pelvic diaphragm in the male and female? Explain how this is so.

54. Compare and contrast the essential features of the triangle and revolving triangle postures.

55. Devise a series of prone backends that are safe for older beginning students without back problems and without structural impediments such as chronically bent-forward postures.

56. What anatomical features prevent beginning and even many intermediate students from folding their chests down fully against their thighs while their knees are extended in paschimottanasana?

57. Why is breathing restricted in sitting half spinal twists?

58. Why are even slightly inverted postures so helpful in improving the strength and mobility of the respiratory diaphragm?

59. What is the most essential single feature common to both the classic shoulderstand and the third stage (version) of the plow posture? Assume no props are being used.

60. What are the anatomical advantages to using a short, tilted-forward bench for sitting meditation?