Body and Breath

Each month a new series of 10 questions will be posted on the Questions & Answers page along with the answers and explanations.

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Qustions & Answers, August, 2003, with page references for Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: What is the alternative name for the prime mover? (24)

A prime mover is assisted by what class of muscles? (24)

A prime mover is resisted by what class of muscles? (24)

What is the main antigravity muscle on the anterior aspect of the thigh? (24)

Are antigravity muscles in the lower extremities generally extensors or flexors? (24)

Illustrate one way in which the iliopsoas muscles (the hip flexors) act in opposition to gravity, and one way in which they can act to aid gravity. (24)

What muscles flex the knee in order to kick yourself in the buttocks? (24)

What is one obvious way in which the triceps brachii muscles (forearm extensors) act as antigravity muscles while “walking” around the room in a handstand? (25)

In general, in the upper extremities, is it flexors or extensors that act as antigravity muscles (also give the most obvious example)? (25)

Give the strict anatomical definitions of arm, forearm, thigh, and leg. (23-25)

Why are the terms upper arm, lower arm, upper leg, and lower leg inadvisable for precise communication? (25)

Why is the phrase “flex your muscles” confusing? (26)

The phrase “flex your forearm” is the equivalent of “flex your elbow.” What are additional examples of these two alternative usages (moving the more distal body part with respect to the proximal part as opposed to moving the joint through a range of motion) in the lower extremities? (26)

Define concentric shortening and eccentric lengthening. (26)

How do the terms concentric shortening and eccentric lengthening apply to walking up and down stairs? (26)

How do the terms concentric shortening and eccentric lengthening apply to using the upper extremities for hauling yourself up and down a climbing rope? (26)

What is an example of concentric shortening and eccentric lengthening as these phrases apply to slowly coming in and then out of a standing forward bend. (26-27)

What is the strict physiological definition of isotonic activity, and what is the common definition? (27)

Define isotonic activity, and give examples of how this term applies to hatha yoga. (27)

Stand in a doorway with your hands stretched overhead. Lean forward in such a manner that you get a substantial stretch of the pectoralis major muscles on the front of the chest. Under these circumstances what are the relationships among stretch, relaxation, and pain with respect to the pectoral muscles? (hints on pages 27-28)

Come into the warrior I posture, and analyze muscular activity in the upper and lower extremities, both with regard to coming into the pose and then holding the pose. (28)