Hawaii Massage Exam Practice
Test 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Correct
1. Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow when the forearm is supinated?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Biceps brachii
C. Gluteus maximus
D. Tibialis anterior
Correct Answer: B. Biceps brachii
Rationale: The biceps brachii flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm. The brachialis also
contributes significantly to elbow flexion.
2. Which type of joint is the shoulder's glenohumeral joint?
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Saddle joint
Correct Answer: C. Ball-and-socket joint
,Rationale: The glenohumeral joint permits movement in multiple planes, including flexion,
extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
3. Which muscle group primarily extends the knee?
A. Hamstrings
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Hip adductors
Correct Answer: B. Quadriceps femoris
Rationale: The quadriceps femoris group is the primary knee extensor. The hamstrings primarily
flex the knee and assist with hip extension.
4. Which structure connects a muscle to a bone?
A. Ligament
B. Tendon
C. Bursa
D. Articular cartilage
Correct Answer: B. Tendon
Rationale: Tendons transmit force from muscles to bones. Ligaments primarily connect bone to
bone and help stabilize joints.
5. Which division of the nervous system is most associated with the body's rest-and-digest
responses?
, A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Somatic motor system only
D. Central sensory pathways only
Correct Answer: B. Parasympathetic nervous system
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system supports functions such as digestion and energy
conservation. Massage may promote relaxation, but its effects vary and should not be treated as a
substitute for medical care.
2. Massage Techniques and Clinical Safety
6. Which massage technique generally uses long, gliding strokes?
A. Effleurage
B. Tapotement
C. Friction
D. Percussion only
Correct Answer: A. Effleurage
Rationale: Effleurage consists of gliding strokes commonly used at the beginning or end of a
massage and to transition between techniques.
7. Which technique involves rhythmic tapping, percussion, or striking movements?
A. Petrissage
B. Effleurage
Test 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Correct
1. Anatomy and Physiology
1. Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow when the forearm is supinated?
A. Triceps brachii
B. Biceps brachii
C. Gluteus maximus
D. Tibialis anterior
Correct Answer: B. Biceps brachii
Rationale: The biceps brachii flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm. The brachialis also
contributes significantly to elbow flexion.
2. Which type of joint is the shoulder's glenohumeral joint?
A. Hinge joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Ball-and-socket joint
D. Saddle joint
Correct Answer: C. Ball-and-socket joint
,Rationale: The glenohumeral joint permits movement in multiple planes, including flexion,
extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
3. Which muscle group primarily extends the knee?
A. Hamstrings
B. Quadriceps femoris
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Hip adductors
Correct Answer: B. Quadriceps femoris
Rationale: The quadriceps femoris group is the primary knee extensor. The hamstrings primarily
flex the knee and assist with hip extension.
4. Which structure connects a muscle to a bone?
A. Ligament
B. Tendon
C. Bursa
D. Articular cartilage
Correct Answer: B. Tendon
Rationale: Tendons transmit force from muscles to bones. Ligaments primarily connect bone to
bone and help stabilize joints.
5. Which division of the nervous system is most associated with the body's rest-and-digest
responses?
, A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Somatic motor system only
D. Central sensory pathways only
Correct Answer: B. Parasympathetic nervous system
Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system supports functions such as digestion and energy
conservation. Massage may promote relaxation, but its effects vary and should not be treated as a
substitute for medical care.
2. Massage Techniques and Clinical Safety
6. Which massage technique generally uses long, gliding strokes?
A. Effleurage
B. Tapotement
C. Friction
D. Percussion only
Correct Answer: A. Effleurage
Rationale: Effleurage consists of gliding strokes commonly used at the beginning or end of a
massage and to transition between techniques.
7. Which technique involves rhythmic tapping, percussion, or striking movements?
A. Petrissage
B. Effleurage
