MBLEX Pathology Review Guide Questions and Correct
Answers for Massage Therapists 2025/2026
In the five-element theory, what is the relationship of water to fire?
A: Yin
B: Yang
C: Inhibiting
D: Facilitating - correct answer C: Inhibiting
Which structure separates the lungs from the abdominal cavity?
A: Pharynx
B: Larynx
C: Bronchus
D: Diaphragm - correct answer D: Diaphragm
During passive range of motion of the shoulder, which position offers the best
access to the full range of movement?
A: Prone
B: Supine
C: Side-lying
D: Bolstered - correct answer C: Side-lying
If a client has decreased flexion of the knee because he recently sprained it,
which term describes the range of motion limit barrier?
,A: Anatomic
B: Physiologic
C: Pathologic
D: End feel - correct answer C: Pathologic
The basic unit of body structure is the...?
A. Cell
B: Nucleus
C: Organ
D: System - correct answer A: Cell
A client has been in treatment for substance abuse. He is beginning to use
various methods to replace the sensations of using marijuana and alcohol.
which statement describes the client's adaptive capacity?
A: Strained
B: Effective to good
C: Severely limited
D: Moderate - correct answer C: Severely limited
Which action do the rhomboids perform?
A: Abduction of the arm
B: Protraction of the scapula
C: Retraction of the scapula
D: Lateral rotation of the arm - correct answer C: Retraction of the scapule
,Which area of the body must always be draped?
A: Genitals
B: Abdomen
C: Torso
D: Lumbar - correct answer A: Genitals
The term meaning outside is....?
A: proximal
B: peripheral
C: lateral
D: superior - correct answer B: peripheral
What are the posterior projections of vertebrae called?
A: Vertebral bodies
B: Transverse processes
C: Spinous processes
D: Laminae - correct answer C: Spinous processes
What is the chief protein produced by fibroblasts during the proliferative phase
of wound healing?
A: Elastin
, B: Glycosaminoglycans
C: Ground substance
D: Collagen - correct answer D: Collagen
Two clients describe accidents in which the muscles of the upper thigh were
cut and now have healed. Client A demonstrates a mobile scar with near
normal function. Client B exhibits tissue rigidity and reduced movement. What
is the most plausible explanation?
A: Client A limited exercise and kept the area tightly wrapped during the
healing process.
B: Client B had increased satellite cell activity during healing, causing
increased scar tissue.
C: Client A exercised during healing to stimulate satellite cells.
D: Client B experienced increased circulation and reduced adhesions. -
correct answer C: Client A exercised during healing to stimulate satellite
cells.
The venous pump includes...?
A: capillaries and arteries.
B: breathing and muscle contraction.
C: entrainment and pulses.
D: bradycardia and arrhythmia. - correct answer C: entrainment and pulses.
Which term means an integrated functional unit that allows structural and
functional efficiency in all three planes of motion?
A: Kinetic chain
Answers for Massage Therapists 2025/2026
In the five-element theory, what is the relationship of water to fire?
A: Yin
B: Yang
C: Inhibiting
D: Facilitating - correct answer C: Inhibiting
Which structure separates the lungs from the abdominal cavity?
A: Pharynx
B: Larynx
C: Bronchus
D: Diaphragm - correct answer D: Diaphragm
During passive range of motion of the shoulder, which position offers the best
access to the full range of movement?
A: Prone
B: Supine
C: Side-lying
D: Bolstered - correct answer C: Side-lying
If a client has decreased flexion of the knee because he recently sprained it,
which term describes the range of motion limit barrier?
,A: Anatomic
B: Physiologic
C: Pathologic
D: End feel - correct answer C: Pathologic
The basic unit of body structure is the...?
A. Cell
B: Nucleus
C: Organ
D: System - correct answer A: Cell
A client has been in treatment for substance abuse. He is beginning to use
various methods to replace the sensations of using marijuana and alcohol.
which statement describes the client's adaptive capacity?
A: Strained
B: Effective to good
C: Severely limited
D: Moderate - correct answer C: Severely limited
Which action do the rhomboids perform?
A: Abduction of the arm
B: Protraction of the scapula
C: Retraction of the scapula
D: Lateral rotation of the arm - correct answer C: Retraction of the scapule
,Which area of the body must always be draped?
A: Genitals
B: Abdomen
C: Torso
D: Lumbar - correct answer A: Genitals
The term meaning outside is....?
A: proximal
B: peripheral
C: lateral
D: superior - correct answer B: peripheral
What are the posterior projections of vertebrae called?
A: Vertebral bodies
B: Transverse processes
C: Spinous processes
D: Laminae - correct answer C: Spinous processes
What is the chief protein produced by fibroblasts during the proliferative phase
of wound healing?
A: Elastin
, B: Glycosaminoglycans
C: Ground substance
D: Collagen - correct answer D: Collagen
Two clients describe accidents in which the muscles of the upper thigh were
cut and now have healed. Client A demonstrates a mobile scar with near
normal function. Client B exhibits tissue rigidity and reduced movement. What
is the most plausible explanation?
A: Client A limited exercise and kept the area tightly wrapped during the
healing process.
B: Client B had increased satellite cell activity during healing, causing
increased scar tissue.
C: Client A exercised during healing to stimulate satellite cells.
D: Client B experienced increased circulation and reduced adhesions. -
correct answer C: Client A exercised during healing to stimulate satellite
cells.
The venous pump includes...?
A: capillaries and arteries.
B: breathing and muscle contraction.
C: entrainment and pulses.
D: bradycardia and arrhythmia. - correct answer C: entrainment and pulses.
Which term means an integrated functional unit that allows structural and
functional efficiency in all three planes of motion?
A: Kinetic chain
