Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What are spontaneous twitches in a muscle group that may be visible through the skin called?

1. Cramping

2. Tremors

3. Fasciculations

4. Clonus

The correct answer is: Fasciculations

Spontaneous twitches in a muscle group that may be visible through the skin are specifically referred to as fasciculations. These are small, involuntary muscle contractions that can occur due to a variety of reasons, including nerve irritation or muscle fatigue. Fasciculations are often benign and can be seen in healthy individuals, though they may also be a sign of underlying neurological conditions. In contrast, cramping refers to a painful contraction of a muscle, typically causing discomfort and not usually observable through the skin in the same manner. Tremors are rhythmic, oscillating movements that can occur at rest or during voluntary movement, often associated with a medical condition such as Parkinson's disease. Clonus consists of repetitive, rhythmic muscle contractions and can occur due to certain neurological disorders but is typically not described as visible spontaneous twitches in the same way fasciculations are.