Question 1

Which muscle is primarily responsible for elevating the mandible during mastication?

Accepted Answer

Masseter

Question 2

A patient presents with difficulty closing their eye. Which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oculi

Question 3

Which muscle is responsible for compressing the cheeks, as in blowing or sucking?

Accepted Answer

Buccinator

Question 4

If the sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts on only one side, what is the resulting movement?

Accepted Answer

Rotation of the head to the opposite side

Question 5

Which muscle is most superficial in the abdominal wall?

Accepted Answer

Rectus abdominis

Question 6

A person is unable to retract and elevate the corner of their mouth. Which muscle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Zygomaticus major

Question 7

Which muscle is the major muscle of respiration, expanding the thoracic cavity for inhalation?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Question 8

Which muscle group is responsible for extending the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Erector spinae

Question 9

Which muscle is responsible for flexing the neck when both left and right sides contract together?

Accepted Answer

Sternocleidomastoid

Question 10

Which muscle is responsible for compressing and pursing the lips?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oris

Question 11

A patient has difficulty elevating their eyebrows and wrinkling their forehead. Which muscle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Frontalis

Question 12

Which abdominal muscle is deepest and acts like a back support belt, stabilizing posture?

Accepted Answer

Transversus abdominis

Question 13

Which muscle is responsible for depressing the ribs during forced exhalation?

Accepted Answer

Internal intercostals

Question 14

Which muscle is responsible for lateral rotation of the shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Infraspinatus

Question 15

Which muscle is responsible for adducting the scapula and downward rotation?

Accepted Answer

Rhomboids (major & minor)

Question 16

Which muscle is responsible for elevating and retracting the scalp?

Accepted Answer

Occipitalis

Question 17

Which muscle is responsible for flexing, compressing, and depressing the vertebral column?

Accepted Answer

Rectus abdominis

Question 18

Which muscle is responsible for elevating the eye and turning it medially?

Accepted Answer

Superior rectus

Question 19

Which muscle of the pelvic floor is responsible for closing the urethra?

Accepted Answer

External urethral sphincter

Question 20

A patient is unable to depress the corner of their mouth. Which muscle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Depressor anguli oris

Axial Muscles: Head, Neck, Vertebral Column, Abdomen, and Pelvis

Study Guide - Practice Questions