COMLEX USA Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Master the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam

The correct answer relates to cranial flexion, which is characterized by a specific movement pattern of the cranial bones that simultaneously occurs with inhalation and exhalation phases of the respiratory cycle. In cranial osteopathy, the concept of cranial motion is based on the rhythmic motion of the cranial bones, which is closely aligned with the primary respiratory mechanism.

During cranial flexion, there is a coordinated movement of the occiput, sphenoid, and other cranial bones. Inhalation causes a slight flexion at the cranial base, which draws the bones closer together, while exhalation promotes a returning to a neutral position or slight extension. This dynamic interaction showcases how the cranial concept is intricately tied to the body's overall respiratory patterns, reflecting the principles of osteopathic manipulative treatment and the importance of cranial mechanics in holistic health.

In contrast, the other options represent specific movements that do not incorporate both inhalation and exhalation in their mechanisms or are divergent in nature. For instance, cranial extension primarily refers to the position and motion of the bones during exhalation without the reciprocal motion of inhalation. Cranial torsion and cranial side bending represent rotations and lateral movements which do not