Human Anatomy and Physiology : Identifying Muscles of the Lower Extremities

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

The adductor brevis muscle is innervated by which nerve?

Possible Answers:

Obturator nerve

Tibial nerve

Femoral nerve

Common fibular nerve

Correct answer:

Obturator nerve

Explanation:

The adductor brevis muscle is located in the medial compartment of the thigh, meaning we are looking for a nerve in that location. Of the answer choices, only the femoral and obturator nerves are located in the thigh, whereas the tibia and common fibular nerves are located in the leg. Of the femoral and obturator nerves, we are looking for the more medial nerve, meaning the obturator nerve is the correct answer.

Example Question #22 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which muscle located in the lateral compartment of the thigh abducts and medially rotates the thigh?

Possible Answers:

Sartorius

Rectus femoris

Tensor fasciae latae

Gracilis

Correct answer:

Tensor fasciae latae

Explanation:

For this question, we are looking for a muscle that is located in the lateral compartment of the thigh. In addition, this muscle should contract when the thigh is either abducted or medially rotated. The correct answer is the tensor fasciae latae which is the only muscle of the choices that fits these categories.

Example Question #23 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

The gemellus superior is innervates by which nerve?

Possible Answers:

Superior gluteal nerve

Obturator internus nerve

Piriformis nerve

Inferior gluteal nerve

Correct answer:

Obturator internus nerve

Explanation:

Both the superior gemellus and the obturator internus muscles are innervated by the same nerve. The nerve that innervates the obturator internus is easy to remember because the nerve and the muscle have the same name. That means the obturator internus nerve is the correct answer.

Example Question #24 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

A long, thin tendon in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg is attached to which muscle?

Possible Answers:

Plantaris

Gracilis

Soleus

Gastrocnemius

Correct answer:

Plantaris

Explanation:

For this question, we are looking for a muscle that lies in the posterior, superficial compartment of the leg. This eliminates the gracilis muscle, leaving the planters, gastrocnemius, and soles muscles. The correct answer is the plantaris muscle which is a small muscle in the posterior compartment of the leg that has a long tendon and little to no function. Both the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are larger and more important in walking and running.

Example Question #25 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which of the following muscles originates at the ischial tuberosity and inserts at the medial condyle of the tibia?

Possible Answers:

Semimembranosus

Triceps brachii

Gracilis

Soleus

Correct answer:

Semimembranosus

Explanation:

Because this muscle has its origin on the ischial tuberosity of the pubic bone and inserts into the medial condyle of the tibia, it is a muscle in the thigh. Of the following answer choices only the semimembranosus and the gracilis muscles are located in the thigh. However, its attachments also show that this muscle will be in the posterior compartment of the thing, meaning the correct answer is the semimembranosus muscle.

Example Question #26 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

What is the name of the large, flat muscle in the iliac fossa that joins with the psoas to become a major flexor of the hip?

Possible Answers:

Pectineus

Intercostals

Iliacus

Gracilis

Correct answer:

Iliacus

Explanation:

The correct answer is the iliacus. This is the only one of these muscles that is located in the hip region. The intercostals are between each of the ribs and the pectineus and gracilis muscles in the thighs.

Example Question #83 : Muscles

Which of the following muscles is not located in the posterior compartment of the thigh?

Possible Answers:

Gracilis

Semitendinosus

Semimembranosus

Biceps femoris

Correct answer:

Gracilis

Explanation:

We are looking for a muscle in the posterior compartment of the thigh. This means that the muscle will be on the back of the leg, between the pelvis and the kneecap. The correct answer is the gracilis muscle, which unlike the other three is located in the anterior compartment of the thigh.

Example Question #26 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which muscle's action is to extend toes 2-5?

Possible Answers:

Extensor digitorum longus

Tibialis anterior

Extensor hallucis longus

Flexor digitorum longus

Correct answer:

Extensor digitorum longus

Explanation:

Extensor muscles located in the deep, posterior compartment of the leg are responsible for flexing the toes. In this case, the correct answer is the extensor digitorum longus because it controls the 2nd through 5th digits in the feet. We can infer this by looking at the word "digitorum", meaning digits, as in fingers or toes. The extensor hallucis longus extends the first digit in the lower extremity (hallux) and dorsiflexes the foot. The tibialis anterior is the strongest dorsiflexor of the foot.

Example Question #27 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which muscle in the posterior compartment of the leg contributes most to the driving force in running and walking?

Possible Answers:

Plantaris

Gastrocnemius

Gracilis

Soleus

Correct answer:

Soleus

Explanation:

Although the gastrocnemius is a large muscle, it is not as involved in walking and running as is the soleus. Rather, it is a powerful plantarflexor of the foot and is more active in jumping and other movements that require powerful plantarflexion. The gracilis muscle is located in the thigh, and is responsible for weak flexion, internal rotation, and adduction of the hip. The plantaris muscle only minimally aids in running and walking and is not present in about 10% of the population. This means the correct answer is the soleus muscle.

Example Question #28 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which of the following muscles inserts into the tibia via the quadriceps tendon?

Possible Answers:

Gastrocnemius

Semimembranosss

Vastus lateralis

Psoas major

Correct answer:

Vastus lateralis

Explanation:

The quadriceps tendon is located in the anterior compartment of the thigh. This means we are looking for a muscle that is also located in the anterior compartment of the thigh. There are four muscles that insert via the quadriceps tendon: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. 

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