MBLEx Questions and Answers

The masseter is a dense muscle with a superficial head and a deep head both of which originate from the zygomatic arch of the temporal bone.

Hacking, tapping and pounding are techniques of tapotement.

The Phalen’s test requires the client to firmly press the backs of the hands together for a duration up to a minute. If the client experiences pain, tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and lateral half of the ring finger along the palmar side, then the test is positive for a carpal tunnel compression. The test can be done in reverse with palms pressed firmly together.

The radial nerve innervates all muscles of the posterior arm and this includes the triceps muscle.

Testing the range of motion while the client is moving under their own power is known as an active range of motion test.

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.

A client that expresses feelings above and beyond the typical role as a client is seen as demonstrating transference. Being overly special can be seen as a red flag, especially in early stages of the therapeutic relationship.

Tantra is a Sanskrit word meaning expanding liberation and has a place amongst certain spiritual practices. However, tantric massage is often associated with massage that focuses on various levels of “sexual healing“ and, therefore, an establishment seeking a tantric massage practitioner is outside the code of ethics of the massage profession.

A z-line is the dark band that separate sarcomeres and forms the borders where actin molecules within a muscle combine.

An antigen is a substance either foreign or internal that triggers an immune response. This response is triggered by a histocompatibility molecule within each cell that can trigger an immune response.

Scapulohumeral rhythm exposes the function of the glenohumeral joint by testing at which degree the scapula activates during an initial abduction of the arm. At 45 degrees, the scapula should engage until the end range motion of abduction.

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

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

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.

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

Tibialis anterior muscle inserts into the medial or first cuneiform bone and the first metatarsal of the foot.

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.

The diaphragm muscle which extends across the bottom of the rib cage is the muscle responsible for initiating inhalation.

The brain stem which provides the sensory and motor innervations of the face and neck consists of three parts: the medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain.

Phasic muscles are fast twitch muscles which are prone to inhibition or fatigue. Muscles that are designed to move our bodies are typically phasic while muscles that are designed to hold our bodies upright are typically postural.

The cerebral cortex is divided into two halves or hemispheres. Each hemisphere consists of four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe. The lobes relate not to brain function but rather to the bones that underlie the cerebral cortex. The borders of these lobes are dictated by sutures in the skull with the exception between the frontal and parietal lobes which follow a deep fold in the brain called the central sulcus and this is just behind the frontal and parietal sutures.

Mitosis is part process of cellular division in which a cell replicates its chromosomes and nucleus and divides them evenly into an identical cell.

The valve between the stomach and the small intestine is the pyloric valve also known as the pylorus or pyloric sphincter.

Wrist abduction is another term for radial deviation of the wrist. Of the muscles listed, the extensor carpi radialis is the muscle responsible for wrist abduction, which is to laterally extend the wrist away from the body while in correct anatomical position.

A sulcus is a general term to describe a narrow groove. There are many places on the body where a sulcus can be found. A few examples are the gluteal sulcus, radial sulcus or the gingival sulcus between the gums and teeth.

The valve between the stomach and the small intestine is the pyloric valve also known as the pylorus or pyloric sphincter.

Boundaries are integral to maintaining a healthy physical and emotional space within the therapeutic relationship.

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.

Lateral epicondylitis is the technical term for tennis elbow.

Stretch reflex or myotatic reflex is an automatic muscle contraction in response to a stretching of muscle fibers. In this case, during the event of losing balance, muscles are stretched and triggered to automatically contract as a means of regaining balance.

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.

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.

Passive ROM is when the therapist performs the movement of the client’s body. This is used to determine joint versus muscular dysfunctions.

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.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels with endothelial linings that are only one cell thick. This allows for the transfer of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste between the blood and surrounding tissues.

There are laws, rules and regulations against developing a sexual relationship with a client. If a sexual relationship existed prior to the client/therapist relationship, then continued sexual interaction is allowable. A typically safe amount of time to wait is 6 months after the client/therapist relationship has been dissolved (documented and signed by both parties) before pursuing a romantic interaction. However, the best path to preserving your career and avoiding a possible investigation is to never engage a client or previous client in any relations outside of a therapeutic environment.

Lactic acid buildup occurs when the demand for energy exceeds the tissues ability to process the metabolic waste. Sprinting is the only activity mentioned that can create this scenario.

Discussing the issue with a peer is the best step towards gaining an unbiased view of the situation. The other choices signal that the therapist has made an assumption about the dynamics surrounding the client’s behavior.

An eccentric extension of the neck requires the flexors to fire during contraction, causing the extensor muscle levator scapulae to relax.

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.

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.

The passive range of motion test assesses the antagonist muscles of the body. We are looking for the muscle that would inhibit rotation to the right. In this case, the left levator scapularis is the shortened muscle.

Despite their name, the lumbricals are located in the hands and feet and assist with movement of the phalanges in both locations.

The infraglenoid tubercle is the attachment site of the long head of the triceps brachii and is located at the most superior aspect of the lateral border of the scapula.

The deep groove between the greater and lesser tubercules of the humerus is the home of the bicipital tendon which lies in the intertubercular groove, also known as the bicipital groove.

Neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages are all phagocytes, which are cells of the immune system that ingest and destroy foreign cells or other harmful substances via phagocytosis.

Client autonomy is when the practitioner keeps the client up to date about any possible changes or adjustments that can affect the client. This gives the client a chance to choose their course of action with the practitioner.

The Adams Apple is a protrusion on the anterior portion of males named after the ancient story of Adam eating the fruit from Eve and having a piece become lodged in his throat. This protrusion is the larangeal prominence formed by an angular section of thyroid cartilage. It is present in both men and women. However, it grows in size during puberty in young men.

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).

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

The outside layer of the myelin sheath is called the neurilemma.

A

The massage code of ethics is a standard of conduct that defines ethical behavior for a massage therapist. The question lists principles of the massage code of ethics.

The annular ligament stabilizes the proximal radius against the ulna during pronation and supination of the wrist. The ligament is located deep to the supinator and origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm near the head and proximal shaft of the radius at the elbow.

A locked door can put the therapist at risk of being accused for entrapment of a client. If a door must be locked be sure to ask the client for permission.

The ossicles are the three smallest bones in the human body and help transmit sound to the cochlea. The term ossicles literally means “tiny bones” and are named the incus, the malleus and the stapes. An absence of these bones causes a severe hearing loss.

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.

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

TART is an acronym for a soft tissue assessment protocol. T- Texture and tonicity of superficial and deep layers of tissue. A - Asymmetry and bilateral differences between body structures in reference to color, function, temperature and tonicity. R - Range of motion. An assessment of joint health and function. T - Tenderness or pain and discomfort in an area or specific tissues.

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.

A pollicis is another term for thumb. Any question that includes the term pollicis will relate to the thumb.

The vastus lateralis is the largest quadriceps muscle with its origin starting superiorly to the intertrochanteric line and inserting into the lateral border of the patella.

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.

Acetylcholine is distinguished from other neurotransmitters due to its ability to transmit signals at the neuromuscular junction between the nervous system and the muscular system.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body. Arterioles are the connecting vessels between arteries and capillaries. Venules are the connecting vessels between capillaries and veins.

The posture for bicycling requires the rider to rest on the palms while steering. Guyon’s canal syndrome is also known as handlebar palsy.

The digestive tract contains a smooth muscle cell layer (the muscularis externa) having no motor innervation. Pacemaker cells located throughout the digestive tract send signals to the muscularis externa. This causes rhythmic waves of muscular contraction and propels material through the digestive tract.

Form 1040ES is required for estimated tax liability especially if you expect to owe at least $1,000.00 in tax for the year. You are required to make estimated tax payments to avoid federal penalties. The practice of paying your quarterly estimated tax reduces the burden of paying a large sum all at once.

The shoulder joint is comprised of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and the head of the humerus. This juncture is called the glenohumeral joint.

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.

In almost all situations, the massage therapist needs to retain a strict confidentiality of the client’s information. However, there are certain exceptions, such as when the massage therapist feels in personal danger, when there are suspicions of a client abusing a child and whenever required by law.