Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What physical movement encourages flexion in cranial/sacral mechanics?

1. Extension

2. Inhalation

3. Exhalation

4. Internal rotation

The correct answer is: Inhalation

In cranial/sacral mechanics, inhalation is associated with flexion. During the inhalation phase, the cranial bones tend to move apart, which facilitates the flexion of the midline structures of the cranium and the sacrum. This movement is characterized by the lifting and rounding of the cranial vault, leading to an overall flexed position. This flexion is part of the primary respiratory mechanism in craniosacral therapy, which encompasses the rhythmic movement of the cranial bones, sacrum, and the surrounding tissues. The inhalation phase helps create space and mobility in the system, allowing for essential physiological functions and nervous system communication. In contrast, options like extension refer to the opposite movement, wherein the cranial bone structures engage in a manner that promotes a flat or extended configuration, which does not encourage flexion. Exhalation and internal rotation serve different roles in cranial mechanics and are not directly linked to promoting flexion within this context.