Homeostasis · diffusion vs osmosis vs active transport · four tissue types · inflammation/repair · heart blood-flow sequence · arteries vs veins vs capillaries · CNS/PNS · afferent/efferent · sympathetic/parasympathetic · lymph flow · insulin/glucagon · nephron · alveoli · small-intestine absorption · skin layers · sensory receptor categories.
Origin/insertion/action of major muscles · concentric/eccentric/isometric · muscle spindle vs GTO · synovial joint types · flexion/extension/abduction/adduction/rotation · pronation/supination · dorsiflexion/plantarflexion · inversion/eversion · AROM/PROM/resisted ROM · major muscle innervation patterns.
DVT/PE red flags · fever/systemic illness · acute infection · open wounds · acute fracture · osteoporosis · OA vs RA · sprain vs strain · neuropathy · diabetes complications · varicose veins · anticoagulants · sensory loss with heat/cold · pregnancy positioning/risk screening · local vs systemic contraindication.
Effleurage · petrissage · friction · compression · vibration · tapotement · sequence/application reasoning · heat vs cold safety · evidence-aware physiological claims · psychological effects of touch · differences among Swedish, deep tissue, MFR, trigger point, sports, MLD, shiatsu/acupressure/reflexology/Thai.
Verbal intake + health form · subjective vs objective · SOAP · visual/postural/gait assessment · palpation · active/passive/resisted ROM · goal setting · contraindication screening · previous-treatment response · formulate → treat → reassess → document.
Autonomy · beneficence · nonmaleficence · justice · fidelity · veracity · confidentiality · ongoing informed consent · professional boundaries · dual relationships · transference/countertransference · sexual misconduct · scope of practice · referral · truthful communication.
Standard precautions · hand hygiene · PPE · cleaning vs disinfection · linen handling · safe equipment · table limits/security · draping · body mechanics · self-care/injury prevention · emergency response · business plan · revenue/expense/profit/cash flow · employee vs contractor · professional/general liability · client vs business records · hiring/interviewing · ethical marketing.
When stuck, ask: Is there an emergency? Is massage contraindicated? Is consent present? Is this within scope? What is the least assumptive safe action? MBLEx is an entry-level safety-and-competence exam, not a contest to choose the most aggressive intervention.