MLT GlobeAnatomy: Muscular system
25 Anatomy MCQs on Muscular system with answers and explanations.
Structurally, the diaphragm is best described as a:
The diaphragm is skeletal muscle radiating to a central tendon, supplied by the phrenic nerve, and separating thorax from abdomen.
Intercostal muscles attach to adjacent:
Intercostal muscles fill the spaces between neighbouring ribs, moving the ribcage during breathing.
Straightening the forearm at the elbow is produced mainly by which muscle?
Triceps brachii is the main elbow extensor. Biceps and brachialis flex the elbow.
The muscle chiefly responsible for producing a particular movement is termed the:
The prime mover (agonist) produces the movement. Antagonists oppose it, synergists assist it, and fixators stabilise the origin.
Which structure anchors a skeletal muscle to bone?
Tendons are dense regular connective tissue cords joining muscle to bone. Ligaments join bone to bone.
Which is the largest (bulkiest) muscle of the human body?
Gluteus maximus is the largest muscle by mass. Sartorius is the longest muscle, and stapedius the smallest.
Which muscle is under voluntary control of the somatic nervous system?
Somatic motor nerves supply skeletal muscles such as rectus abdominis. Detrusor, arrector pili and cardiac muscle are autonomically controlled.
Which broad back muscle runs from the occiput and cervical/thoracic spines to the clavicle and scapula, bracing the shoulders?
Trapezius elevates, retracts and depresses the scapula. Latissimus dorsi inserts on the humerus and extends/adducts the arm.
Which muscle is striated yet involuntary?
Cardiac muscle shows striations but contracts without voluntary control. Skeletal muscle is striated and voluntary; smooth muscle is non-striated.
Which name does NOT belong to a muscle of the quadriceps femoris?
The quadriceps comprises rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, medialis and intermedius. There is no vastus superioris.
By mass, which muscle is the largest in the human body?
The gluteus maximus is the bulkiest muscle. Sartorius is the longest muscle, a common confusion.
The tiniest skeletal muscle, which damps vibration of an ear ossicle, is the:
Stapedius, in the middle ear, attaches to the stapes and is the smallest skeletal muscle. Sartorius is the longest.
Which muscle group turns the sole of the foot outward (eversion)?
The lateral compartment fibularis muscles evert the foot. Tibialis anterior and posterior invert it.
Which statement about muscle tissue is FALSE?
There are three muscle types: skeletal, cardiac and smooth. A skeletal fibre is one multinucleated cell; intrafusal fibres receive gamma motor neurones.
A broad, flat sheet of dense connective tissue, like a flattened tendon, attaching muscles such as the external oblique is called:
An aponeurosis is a sheet-like tendon. Ligaments join bone to bone; a raphe is a seam where muscles interdigitate; retinacula hold tendons in place.
How many muscle layers occupy each intercostal space?
Each space holds external, internal and innermost intercostal muscles; the intercostal nerve and vessels run between the internal and innermost layers.
Which muscle, through its clavicular head, raises the arm forward (flexion) at the shoulder?
The clavicular head of pectoralis major flexes the humerus at the shoulder. Pectoralis minor and serratus anterior act on the scapula; triceps extends.
Which muscle is the chief flexor of the thigh at the hip joint?
Iliopsoas (psoas major with iliacus) is the strongest hip flexor. Gluteus maximus extends the hip, while quadratus femoris and obturator internus rotate it laterally.
In skeletal muscle, which connective tissue sheath wraps each fascicle (bundle of fibres)?
Perimysium surrounds each fascicle; endomysium surrounds individual fibres and epimysium covers the whole muscle. Epineurium belongs to nerves.
A muscle with a thick belly tapering at both ends is called fusiform. Which example fits?
Biceps brachii has a spindle-shaped (fusiform) belly. Sartorius and thyrohyoid are strap-like, and rectus abdominis is a flat segmented muscle.