MERRITHEW | STOTT PILATES CERTIFICATION
STOTT PILATES
Written Exam
Anatomy Study Guide
150 Verified Multiple-Choice Questions | Full Rationales
EDITION
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM COVERAGE
Skeletal System · Muscular Origins, Insertions & Actions
Joint Mechanics & ROM · Spine, Pelvis & Core Stabilization
Scapular & Shoulder Girdle · Hip, Knee & Ankle Biomechanics
Movement Analysis & Exercise Application
Postural Assessment & Common Deviations
Aligned with Merrithew | STOTT PILATES Anatomy Curriculum & Written Testing Standards (2026/2027)
This study guide is an independent educational resource and is not an official Merrithew publication.
,STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
STOTT PILATES Written Exam — Anatomy Study
Guide
100% Verified Questions | 2026/2027 Edition
Total Questions 150 Multiple-Choice (A–D)
Cognitive Mix 25% Recall · 50% Application · 25% Analysis
Style 70% Scenario-Based · 30% Direct Anatomy Knowledge
Aligned Curriculum Merrithew™ STOTT PILATES Anatomy Curriculum (2026/2027)
Format Question → Options A-D → Correct Answer → Rationale
This comprehensive anatomy-focused written certification examination is designed for candidates pursuing
Merrithew™ STOTT PILATES instructor certification. The 150 questions are sequenced across eight sections
covering skeletal landmarks, muscular attachments and actions, joint mechanics, spinal and pelvic stabilization,
scapular and shoulder girdle function, lower-limb biomechanics, exercise-specific movement analysis, and postural
assessment with corrective strategies. Each question includes a fully explained rationale citing anatomical references
and STOTT PILATES methodology, providing candidates with both knowledge verification and instructional
reinforcement. Use this guide as a self-assessment tool by attempting each question before reviewing the rationale,
then return to weak areas for focused review.
Section 1: Skeletal System & Bony Landmarks
Questions 1–20 | 20 Questions
Axial and appendicular skeleton identification, bony landmark palpation (ASIS, PSIS, iliac crest, scapular spine, acromion,
greater trochanter, malleoli, vertebral processes), and regional skeletal anatomy applied to Stott Pilates assessment and
cueing.
Q1. A new Pilates instructor is reviewing skeletal anatomy with a client. Which of the following bones is
correctly classified as part of the AXIAL skeleton?
A. Clavicle
B. Scapula
C. Sternum [CORRECT]
D. Ilium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The axial skeleton comprises the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, forming the body's central
longitudinal axis. The clavicle, scapula, and ilium belong to the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs
and their attachment girdles. Stott Pilates anatomy curriculum emphasizes this distinction because neutral spine
and rib cage placement cues rely on identifying axial landmarks.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 1
,STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
Q2. During a pelvic placement workshop, an instructor palpates a sharp bony prominence on the
anterior superior pelvis, approximately two finger-widths below the umbilicus and lateral to the midline.
Which landmark is being palpated?
A. Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) [CORRECT]
B. Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS)
C. Iliac crest
D. Pubic symphysis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ASIS is the anterior projection of the ilium, palpable at the lateral aspect of the anterior pelvis, and
serves as the primary reference for assessing pelvic neutral vs. anterior tilt in Stott Pilates methodology. The PSIS is
posterior, the iliac crest is superior to the ASIS along the wing of the ilium, and the pubic symphysis is medial and
inferior. Stott Pilates uses bilateral ASIS alignment to assess lateral pelvic tilt and rotation.
Q3. When assessing pelvic neutral from a posterior view during Footwork on the Reformer, the
instructor identifies two small dimples on the client's lower back that correspond to which underlying
bony landmarks?
A. Ischial tuberosities
B. Posterior Superior Iliac Spines (PSIS) [CORRECT]
C. Sacral hiatus
D. Transverse processes of L5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The PSISs appear as small skin dimples at the level of S2 and serve as posterior reference points for
pelvic alignment in Stott Pilates assessment. The ischial tuberosities are the inferior sitting bones, the sacral hiatus
is the inferior opening of the sacral canal, and L5 transverse processes are not palpable. Bilateral PSIS comparison
helps detect pelvic rotation and asymmetry during supine exercises.
Q4. A client performs a side-lying Side Kick exercise. The instructor cues them to lengthen through the
top of the hip by visualizing the superior rim of the pelvis. Which bony landmark is being referenced?
A. ASIS
B. Iliac crest [CORRECT]
C. Greater trochanter
D. Iliac fossa
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The iliac crest is the superior curved rim of the ilium that runs from the ASIS anteriorly to the PSIS
posteriorly, and serves as an attachment site for abdominal muscles, latissimus dorsi, and tensor fasciae latae. Stott
Pilates uses it as a lengthening cue during lateral flexion and side-lying work. The ASIS is only the anterior tip, the
greater trochanter is on the femur, and the iliac fossa is the internal surface.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 2
, STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
Q5. During scapular stabilization drills, an instructor asks the client to slide their scapulae 'down and
back' along an imaginary shelf. Which bony prominence on the posterior scapula serves as the
attachment for the middle trapezius and is the key landmark for this cue?
A. Acromion process
B. Coracoid process
C. Spine of the scapula [CORRECT]
D. Inferior angle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The spine of the scapula is the prominent posterior ridge that runs medially to laterally, dividing the
supraspinous and infraspinous fossae, and serves as the attachment for the middle and lower trapezius fibers. The
acromion is the lateral extension of this spine, the coracoid is anterior, and the inferior angle marks the lower
border. Stott Pilates scapular stabilization cues target the lower trapezius via the scapular spine.
Q6. An instructor is teaching shoulder mechanics and asks the client to palpate the highest point of the
shoulder, lateral to the acromioclavicular joint. Which bony landmark is being identified?
A. Greater tubercle of the humerus
B. Coracoid process
C. Acromion process [CORRECT]
D. Spine of the scapula
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The acromion process is the lateral projection of the scapular spine that forms the roof of the
glenohumeral joint and articulates with the clavicle at the AC joint. Stott Pilates uses it as a landmark for shoulder
elevation and abduction range assessment. The greater tubercle is on the humerus, the coracoid lies medial and
anterior, and the spine of the scapula is the medial ridge leading to the acromion.
Q7. During Side Leg Kicks, the client palpates a large bony prominence on the lateral aspect of the
upper thigh, approximately one hand-width below the hip joint. Which landmark is this?
A. Lesser trochanter
B. Greater trochanter [CORRECT]
C. Ischial tuberosity
D. Iliac crest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The greater trochanter of the femur is the lateral prominence serving as the attachment for the gluteus
medius, minimus, and piriformis, and is the key landmark for assessing hip abduction and lateral rotation in Stott
Pilates. The lesser trochanter is medial and posterior (psoas attachment), the ischial tuberosity is the inferior sitting
bone (hamstring attachment), and the iliac crest is superior.
Q8. When assessing standing posture, an instructor notes the position of the medial ankle bones to
evaluate lower limb alignment. Which bony landmark is being observed?
A. Lateral malleolus of the fibula
B. Medial malleolus of the tibia [CORRECT]
C. Talus
D. Calcaneus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medial malleolus is the distal medial projection of the tibia forming the medial side of the ankle
mortise, and serves as a reference for assessing foot alignment, pronation, and supination in standing Pilates
assessments. The lateral malleolus is on the fibula and is more distal, the talus sits between the malleoli, and the
calcaneus is the heel bone. Stott Pilates Footwork on the Reformer emphasizes even weight across both malleoli.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 3
STOTT PILATES
Written Exam
Anatomy Study Guide
150 Verified Multiple-Choice Questions | Full Rationales
EDITION
100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM COVERAGE
Skeletal System · Muscular Origins, Insertions & Actions
Joint Mechanics & ROM · Spine, Pelvis & Core Stabilization
Scapular & Shoulder Girdle · Hip, Knee & Ankle Biomechanics
Movement Analysis & Exercise Application
Postural Assessment & Common Deviations
Aligned with Merrithew | STOTT PILATES Anatomy Curriculum & Written Testing Standards (2026/2027)
This study guide is an independent educational resource and is not an official Merrithew publication.
,STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
STOTT PILATES Written Exam — Anatomy Study
Guide
100% Verified Questions | 2026/2027 Edition
Total Questions 150 Multiple-Choice (A–D)
Cognitive Mix 25% Recall · 50% Application · 25% Analysis
Style 70% Scenario-Based · 30% Direct Anatomy Knowledge
Aligned Curriculum Merrithew™ STOTT PILATES Anatomy Curriculum (2026/2027)
Format Question → Options A-D → Correct Answer → Rationale
This comprehensive anatomy-focused written certification examination is designed for candidates pursuing
Merrithew™ STOTT PILATES instructor certification. The 150 questions are sequenced across eight sections
covering skeletal landmarks, muscular attachments and actions, joint mechanics, spinal and pelvic stabilization,
scapular and shoulder girdle function, lower-limb biomechanics, exercise-specific movement analysis, and postural
assessment with corrective strategies. Each question includes a fully explained rationale citing anatomical references
and STOTT PILATES methodology, providing candidates with both knowledge verification and instructional
reinforcement. Use this guide as a self-assessment tool by attempting each question before reviewing the rationale,
then return to weak areas for focused review.
Section 1: Skeletal System & Bony Landmarks
Questions 1–20 | 20 Questions
Axial and appendicular skeleton identification, bony landmark palpation (ASIS, PSIS, iliac crest, scapular spine, acromion,
greater trochanter, malleoli, vertebral processes), and regional skeletal anatomy applied to Stott Pilates assessment and
cueing.
Q1. A new Pilates instructor is reviewing skeletal anatomy with a client. Which of the following bones is
correctly classified as part of the AXIAL skeleton?
A. Clavicle
B. Scapula
C. Sternum [CORRECT]
D. Ilium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The axial skeleton comprises the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum, forming the body's central
longitudinal axis. The clavicle, scapula, and ilium belong to the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs
and their attachment girdles. Stott Pilates anatomy curriculum emphasizes this distinction because neutral spine
and rib cage placement cues rely on identifying axial landmarks.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 1
,STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
Q2. During a pelvic placement workshop, an instructor palpates a sharp bony prominence on the
anterior superior pelvis, approximately two finger-widths below the umbilicus and lateral to the midline.
Which landmark is being palpated?
A. Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) [CORRECT]
B. Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS)
C. Iliac crest
D. Pubic symphysis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ASIS is the anterior projection of the ilium, palpable at the lateral aspect of the anterior pelvis, and
serves as the primary reference for assessing pelvic neutral vs. anterior tilt in Stott Pilates methodology. The PSIS is
posterior, the iliac crest is superior to the ASIS along the wing of the ilium, and the pubic symphysis is medial and
inferior. Stott Pilates uses bilateral ASIS alignment to assess lateral pelvic tilt and rotation.
Q3. When assessing pelvic neutral from a posterior view during Footwork on the Reformer, the
instructor identifies two small dimples on the client's lower back that correspond to which underlying
bony landmarks?
A. Ischial tuberosities
B. Posterior Superior Iliac Spines (PSIS) [CORRECT]
C. Sacral hiatus
D. Transverse processes of L5
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The PSISs appear as small skin dimples at the level of S2 and serve as posterior reference points for
pelvic alignment in Stott Pilates assessment. The ischial tuberosities are the inferior sitting bones, the sacral hiatus
is the inferior opening of the sacral canal, and L5 transverse processes are not palpable. Bilateral PSIS comparison
helps detect pelvic rotation and asymmetry during supine exercises.
Q4. A client performs a side-lying Side Kick exercise. The instructor cues them to lengthen through the
top of the hip by visualizing the superior rim of the pelvis. Which bony landmark is being referenced?
A. ASIS
B. Iliac crest [CORRECT]
C. Greater trochanter
D. Iliac fossa
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The iliac crest is the superior curved rim of the ilium that runs from the ASIS anteriorly to the PSIS
posteriorly, and serves as an attachment site for abdominal muscles, latissimus dorsi, and tensor fasciae latae. Stott
Pilates uses it as a lengthening cue during lateral flexion and side-lying work. The ASIS is only the anterior tip, the
greater trochanter is on the femur, and the iliac fossa is the internal surface.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 2
, STOTT PILATES Written Exam | Anatomy Study Guide 2026/2027 Edition
Q5. During scapular stabilization drills, an instructor asks the client to slide their scapulae 'down and
back' along an imaginary shelf. Which bony prominence on the posterior scapula serves as the
attachment for the middle trapezius and is the key landmark for this cue?
A. Acromion process
B. Coracoid process
C. Spine of the scapula [CORRECT]
D. Inferior angle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The spine of the scapula is the prominent posterior ridge that runs medially to laterally, dividing the
supraspinous and infraspinous fossae, and serves as the attachment for the middle and lower trapezius fibers. The
acromion is the lateral extension of this spine, the coracoid is anterior, and the inferior angle marks the lower
border. Stott Pilates scapular stabilization cues target the lower trapezius via the scapular spine.
Q6. An instructor is teaching shoulder mechanics and asks the client to palpate the highest point of the
shoulder, lateral to the acromioclavicular joint. Which bony landmark is being identified?
A. Greater tubercle of the humerus
B. Coracoid process
C. Acromion process [CORRECT]
D. Spine of the scapula
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The acromion process is the lateral projection of the scapular spine that forms the roof of the
glenohumeral joint and articulates with the clavicle at the AC joint. Stott Pilates uses it as a landmark for shoulder
elevation and abduction range assessment. The greater tubercle is on the humerus, the coracoid lies medial and
anterior, and the spine of the scapula is the medial ridge leading to the acromion.
Q7. During Side Leg Kicks, the client palpates a large bony prominence on the lateral aspect of the
upper thigh, approximately one hand-width below the hip joint. Which landmark is this?
A. Lesser trochanter
B. Greater trochanter [CORRECT]
C. Ischial tuberosity
D. Iliac crest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The greater trochanter of the femur is the lateral prominence serving as the attachment for the gluteus
medius, minimus, and piriformis, and is the key landmark for assessing hip abduction and lateral rotation in Stott
Pilates. The lesser trochanter is medial and posterior (psoas attachment), the ischial tuberosity is the inferior sitting
bone (hamstring attachment), and the iliac crest is superior.
Q8. When assessing standing posture, an instructor notes the position of the medial ankle bones to
evaluate lower limb alignment. Which bony landmark is being observed?
A. Lateral malleolus of the fibula
B. Medial malleolus of the tibia [CORRECT]
C. Talus
D. Calcaneus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The medial malleolus is the distal medial projection of the tibia forming the medial side of the ankle
mortise, and serves as a reference for assessing foot alignment, pronation, and supination in standing Pilates
assessments. The lateral malleolus is on the fibula and is more distal, the talus sits between the malleoli, and the
calcaneus is the heel bone. Stott Pilates Footwork on the Reformer emphasizes even weight across both malleoli.
Merrithew | STOTT PILATES | Anatomy Certification Page 3
