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 #51 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which quadriceps muscle is most medial and distal in anatomical position?

Possible Answers:

Vastus medialis

Vastus intermedialis

Sartorius

Vastus lateralis

Rectus femoris

Correct answer:

Vastus medialis

Explanation:

Vastus medialis is most medial (medialis) as well as most distal. Rectus femoris is located most medially to the leg, but not the body, which is what is used as reference when looking at anatomical position. Vastus lateralis (lateral) and Vastus medialis (medial) are also not correct as they do not fit the description of both medical and distal. Finally the sartorius is not part of the quadriceps muscle group. 

Example Question #52 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Where does the soleus muscle insert?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Medial and plantar surfaces of the 1st cuniform in the foot

Navicular tuberosity

To the calcaneus via the achilles tendon

Tibial tuberosity

Correct answer:

To the calcaneus via the achilles tendon

Explanation:

The soleus is one part of the calf muscle, and is deep to the gastrocnemius. This muscle inserts via the achilles tendon to the calcaneus and allows for plantarflexion of the foot. 

The tibial tuberosity is located at the proximal anterior portion of the tibia, and the navicular tuberosity and 1st cuniform are located in the midfoot and are insertion points for medial and lateral muscles of the foot and lower leg.

Example Question #53 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

A patient has ruptured hit achilles tendon. What motion will this patient not be able to perform?

Possible Answers:

Plantarflexion

Abduction

Inversion

Eversion

Dosiflexion

Correct answer:

Plantarflexion

Explanation:

The muscles that insert to the achilles tendon allow for plantarflexion of the foot, which is created due to shortening of the posterior muscles of the lower leg. Dorsiflexion is created through the anterior muscles of the lower leg. Eversion is created through the lateral muscles, and inversion is created with the medial muscles. Abduction is the motion of moving a body part away from the midline. 

Example Question #54 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Which muscle does not make up part of the pes anserine?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Vastus medialis

Semitendinous

Gracilis

Sartorius

Correct answer:

Vastus medialis

Explanation:

The sartorius, semitendinous and gracilis all make up the pes anserine tendon. Vastus medialis, although on the medial aspect of the knee, does not make up this muscle group as it inserts to the tibial tubercle via the patellar tendon. 

Example Question #55 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

The iliopsoas muscle __________.

Possible Answers:

flexes the thigh at the hip joint and medially rotates it

extends the thigh at the hip joint and laterally rotates it

does not function when sitting up from the supine position

functions when sitting up from the supine position

extends the trunk on the hip

Correct answer:

functions when sitting up from the supine position

Explanation:

The iliopsoas muscle is composed of the iliacus and psoas major muscles. It functions as a flexor of the thigh at the hip joint and laterally rotates it. It's also capable of flexing the trunk on the hip as in sitting up from the supine position.

Example Question #56 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

Muscles that move the foot include __________.

Possible Answers:

the sartorius and gastrocnemius muscles 

the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles

only the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles

only the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

only the extensor digitorum longus muscle

Correct answer:

the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles

Explanation:

The tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles both dorsiflex the foot at the ankle joint; the tibialis anterior also inverts the foot at the intertarsal joints and the extensor digitorum longus extends the proximal and distal phalanges. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are plantarflexors of the foot at the ankle joint. The gastrocnemius also flexes the leg at the knee joint.

Example Question #57 : Identifying Muscles Of The Lower Extremities

The quadriceps femoris group __________.

Possible Answers:

acts at the knee joint to extend the leg

may sometimes include the sartorius muscle

may sometimes include the adductus longus muscle

consists only of the "vasti" muscles

is capable of extending the thigh at the hip joint

Correct answer:

acts at the knee joint to extend the leg

Explanation:

The quadriceps femoris group of muscles are the main extensors of the leg at the knee joint. They consist of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis muscles. The rectus femoris muscle also flexes the thigh at the hip joint.  

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