Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gross Anatomy

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Muscles

Which muscles aid in inspiration?

Possible Answers:

Internal obliques

Subscapularis

External intercostals

Internal intercostals

Correct answer:

External intercostals

Explanation:

Intercostal muscles are responsible for expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity during forced breathing. During relaxed breathing, the diaphragm is responsible for changing the volume of the thoracic cavity, driving pulmonary ventilation. Internal intercostals depress the ribs during forced exhalation and the external intercostals elevate the ribs during forced inhalation. The subscapularis is one of the rotator cuff muscles, and its function is medial rotation of the humerus. 

Example Question #1 : Identifying Muscles Of The Trunk, Core, And Head

Which of the following muscles is not part of the transversospinal group?

Possible Answers:

Sempispinalis cervicis

Rotator brevis

Quadratus lumborum

Rotator longus

Multifidi

Correct answer:

Quadratus lumborum

Explanation:

The transversospinal group is made up of the multifidi, the semispinalis group, and the rotatores group. The overall action of these muscles is extension and rotation of the vertebral column. The quadratus lumborum muscle laterally flexes the vertebral column, and, when bilaterally contracted, depresses the rib cage.

Example Question #2 : Muscles

Which hip motion does the iliofemoral ligament restrict?

Possible Answers:

Flexion

Internal rotation

Abduction

Adduction

Extension

Correct answer:

Extension

Explanation:

The iliofemoral ligament connects the ilium to the femur and is taut in end range hip extension (as in doing front splits) and external rotation.

Example Question #61 : Gross Anatomy

Which muscle would likely be in use if a person wrinkled the skin above the eyes?

Possible Answers:

Orbicularis oris

Zygomatic oculi

Temporalis muscle

Masseter

Occiptofrontalis muscle

Correct answer:

Occiptofrontalis muscle

Explanation:

The occiptofrontalis muscle is responsible for pulling the skin of the forehead up and down. It is part of a sheet of muscle the extends from just above the eyes to the back of the head. The orbicularis oris is responsible for puckering the lips such as kissing.  The masseter is in the jaw and assists in chewing. The temporalis muscle is also involved in chewing, but is situated on either side of the skull under the area commonly referred to as the temple. The zygomatic oculi does not exist.

Example Question #61 : Gross Anatomy

What large and flat muscle is responsible for allowing a person to lower their lips and jaw downward, but also stretches and tightens the skin of the neck?

Possible Answers:

Risorius

Mentalis

Platysma

Orbicularis oris

Masseter

Correct answer:

Platysma

Explanation:

The platysma is a broad, flat muscle that lowers the jaw and stretches the lips down or to the sides. When the entire sheet is contracted it can increase the diameter of the neck. This is the muscle men flex when trying to shave under the chin and along the superior and anterior portion of the neck.

The masseter is in the jaw and is involved in the chewing motion. The mentalis muscle furrows the chin, while the risorius and orbicularis oris muscles pull the corners of the mouth out and in respectively.

Example Question #11 : Muscles

Which muscle is the most powerful chewing muscle?

Possible Answers:

Mandible

Lateral pterygoid

Masseter

Temporalis

Correct answer:

Masseter

Explanation:

The masseter muscle, one of the strongest in the body, is the main muscle of chewing (mastication). The temporalis muscle moves the mandible up and backwards. The mandible is the jaw bone. The lateral pterygoid muscle is involved in mastication, but is not the strongest. 

Example Question #62 : Gross Anatomy

Which muscle is responsible for wrinkling the nose?

Possible Answers:

Risorius

Frontalis

Buccinator

Procerus

Correct answer:

Procerus

Explanation:

The procerus is the muscle that wrinkles the nose. It originates from the fascia covering the inferior aspect of the nasal bone and inserts into the skin on the forehead, in between the eyebrows. The frontalis raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead. The buccinator pulls in the cheeks against the teeth. The risorius pulls the mouth into a grimace. 

Example Question #63 : Gross Anatomy

The orbicularis oculi __________.

Possible Answers:

wrinkles the nose

pulls the lower lip down

pulls the cheek against the teeth

closes the eye

Correct answer:

closes the eye

Explanation:

The orbicularis oculi closes the eyes. It originates from the frontal and lacrimal bones, and from the medial palpebral ligament, which is attached to the frontal process of the maxilla and inserts into the lateral palpebral raphe. The buccinator pulls the cheeks into the teeth, The procerus wrinkles the nose. The depressor labii inferioris pulls the lower lip down.

Example Question #14 : Muscles

What is the action of the nasalis?

Possible Answers:

Widens the nostrils

Raises the corners of the mouth

Wrinkles the nose

Wrinkles the forehead

Correct answer:

Widens the nostrils

Explanation:

The nasalis widens the opening of the nose by compressing the nasal cartilages, flaring out the nostrils. The frontalis wrinkles the forehead while the procerus wrinkles the nose. The levator anguli oris raises the corners of the mouth.

Example Question #64 : Gross Anatomy

Which muscle wrinkles the skin of the neck and pulls the lower lip down?

Possible Answers:

Depressor anguli oris

Depressor labii inferioris

Platsyma

Risorius

Correct answer:

Platsyma

Explanation:

The platsyma muscle is responsible for both wrinkling the skin of the neck and pulling the lower lip down. The platysma is superficial to the sternocleidomastoid, originates from the clavicle, and inserts onto the base of the mandible and the skin of the cheek, lower lip and lower mouth. The depressor labii inferioris only pulls down the lower lip. The depressor anguli oris pulls the corners of the mouth down, while the risorius pulls the sides of the mouth into a grimace. 

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