Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Introductory Concepts

Muscles that oppose the action of another muscle are known as what?

Possible Answers:

Agonists

Synergists

Opposers

Prime movers

Antagonists

Correct answer:

Antagonists

Explanation:

Muscles often occur in pairs called antagonistic pairs. An antagonistic pair consists of an antagonist and an agonist muscle. As one muscle contracts, the other relaxes. An example of an antagonistic pair is the biceps and triceps. To contract the biceps the biceps contracts and the triceps relaxes allowing for the lifting of the lower arm. 

Example Question #52 : Introductory Concepts

Which is not a type of epithelia found in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Pseudostratified columnar

Pseudostratified cuboidal

Stratified cuboidal

Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal

Correct answer:

Pseudostratified cuboidal

Explanation:

Simple cuboidal cells can be found on the surface of ovaries, simple columnar epithelium can be found lining many digestive tract organs, pseudostratified columnar are found in the trachea and aid with secretion and absorption, and stratified cuboidal protect ducts of various glands.

Example Question #53 : Introductory Concepts

To which region of the body does the term "clavicular" refer?

Possible Answers:

Collar bone

Finger

Arm

Neck

Correct answer:

Collar bone

Explanation:

The clavicle is another term for the collar bone. In contrast, the term "brachial" refers to the arm, specifically the upper arm. The term "digital" refers to the fingers and toes, or the digits of the extremities. Lastly, the term "cervical" refers to the neck (either the neck region on our bodies, or the neck of organs, such as the female uterus).

Example Question #54 : Introductory Concepts

Which of the following groups of muscles in the leg allows a person to stand on their toes?

Possible Answers:

Plantarflexors

Abductors

Inverters

Dorsiflexors

Everters

Correct answer:

Plantarflexors

Explanation:

Plantar flexion is the movement where the angle between the sole of the foot and the back of the leg decreases. Plantar flexors are part of the posterior compartment of the lower leg, and consist of flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum. These muscles not only work in plantar flexion but also flex the phalanges of the foot (toes). 

Abduction is a movement where structures increase their distance to the midline.

Dorsiflexion is a movement where the toes are brought closer to the shin. 

Eversion is the movement of the sole of the foot away from the median plane; inversion is the movement of the sole towards the median plane.

Example Question #51 : Introductory Concepts

Which is not one of the four main tissue types?

Possible Answers:

epithelial tissue

osseous tissue

neural tissue

connective tissue

Correct answer:

osseous tissue

Explanation:

Osseous tissue, also known as bone tissue, is a type of connective tissue.

Example Question #1 : Muscles

Which facial muscle is responsible for raising the corners of the mouth into a smile?

Possible Answers:

Orbicularis oris

Frontalis

Zygomaticus major

Masseter

Correct answer:

Zygomaticus major

Explanation:

The zygomaticus major is a facial expression muscle that can raise the corners of the mouth during a smile. The muscle originates from the zygomatic arch and inserts in the fibrous tissue of the modiolus.

The frontalis is located within the forehead and helps raise the eyebrows. The orbicularis oris circles the mouth and helps to pucker the lips. The masseter is used to raise the mandible during mastication.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Muscles Of The Trunk, Core, And Head

Damage to what muscle would result in the inability to raise your arm above your head?

Possible Answers:

Levator scapulae

Rhomboid major

Trapezius

Latissimus dorsi

Correct answer:

Trapezius

Explanation:

The upper fibers of the trapezius muscle elevate the scapula and raise the upper limb above the head. The trapezius muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve. Damage to the accessory nerve results in drooping of the shoulder and inability to raise the arm above the head. The deltoid muscle is also used to abduct the arm at the shoulder.

The rhomboid major serves to connect the scapula and the vertebrae, pulling the shoulders posteriorly. The levator scapulae elevates the medial angle of the scapula. The latissimus dorsi helps to adduct and extend the arm at the shoulder.

Example Question #2 : Muscles

Which of the following structures is associated with the chin?

Possible Answers:

Geniohyoid muscle

Iliocostalis cervicis

Nuchal ligament

Sternocleidomastoid muscle

Popliteus muscle

Correct answer:

Geniohyoid muscle

Explanation:

The geniohyoid muscle is associated with the chin, as it is a muscle that is the passageway from the chin to the hyoid bone. Contraction of the geniohyoid can move the hyoid bone to further widen the airway, aiding in respiration.

The nuchal ligament is located at the back of the neck and helps maintain the vertical position of the head. The sternocleidomastoid muscles are located in the lateral portions of the neck and helps to turn the head from side to side. The iliocostalis muscles run down the back, connecting the posterior portions of the ribs; this muscle is deep to most other muscles in the back. The popliteus muscle is located poterior to the knee and helps to move the tibia posteriorly, relative to the femur.

Example Question #3 : Muscles

Which of the following structures is not involved in respiratory expiration?

Possible Answers:

Abdominal wall muscles

Diaphragm

Intercostal muscles

Serratus posterior inferior muscles

Correct answer:

Diaphragm

Explanation:

There are many structures that aid in the process of inspiration and expiration. Inspiration involves enlarging the thoracic cavity for the lungs to expand, while expiration compresses the cavity to allow carbon dioxide to leave. Inspiration will always be active, while expiration can be either passive or active. One of the most important structures for inspiration is the diaphragm. The diaphragm will contract and move downwards into the abdominal cavity, allowing the lungs to expand and draw in air. Muscles of forced expiration are the anterior abdominals, the internal intercostals, and the serratus posterior inferior muscles. They help to relax the diaphragm, which increases the abdominal pressure and pushes the ribs inwards.

Example Question #3 : Identifying Muscles Of The Trunk, Core, And Head

Which of the following muscles causes downward movement of the ribs?

Possible Answers:

Scalene muscles

Transversus thoracis

External intercostals

Sternocleidomastoid

Correct answer:

Transversus thoracis

Explanation:

The ribs are elevated and depressed by the muscles of the thoracic wall and neck. The external intercostals originate at the lower border of the ribs. With the help of the internal intercostals, they raise the ribs when inspiring. The scalene muscles of the neck work to lift the first two ribs mainly. The sternocleidomastoid muscles are attached to the sternum, and also lift upwards.

The transversus thoracis originates on the posterior part of the sternum and xiphoid, inserting into the costal cartilages of ribs 2 to 6. They pull the ribs down when expiring air.

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