Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is true about the insertion part of the muscle?

1. It is the stationary point of the muscle

2. It does not move during contraction

3. Pressure in massage usually begins there

4. It is the primary location for nutrient delivery

The correct answer is: Pressure in massage usually begins there

The insertion part of a muscle refers to the point where the muscle attaches to the bone that it moves. When a muscle contracts, the insertion is the point that moves closer to the origin, which is the stationary point of the muscle. During massage, practitioners often begin at the insertion point because it is the area where the muscle is more accessible for manipulation, and this allows for effective targeting of tension and initiating relaxation throughout the muscle. This is important for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes, as starting at the insertion can help facilitate a more comprehensive treatment. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function or characteristics of the muscle's insertion. The stationary point is actually associated with the muscle's origin, where it remains fixed during contraction. Saying the insertion does not move during contraction contradicts its definition, as it is specifically the part that moves. While nutrient delivery is essential in muscle function, the primary location for nutrient delivery is generally at the cellular level and through the bloodstream rather than specifically at the insertion point.