Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the origin and insertion of a skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Origin is the attachment point that does not move during contraction, while insertion is the point that moves.

Question 2

During resistance exercise, which physiological change is most responsible for increased muscle strength?

Accepted Answer

Muscle hypertrophy due to increased fiber size

Question 3

Smooth muscle tissue is characterized by which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

Slow, synchronized contractions and electrical coupling by gap junctions

Question 4

Which muscle is a prime mover for jaw closure during mastication?

Accepted Answer

Temporalis

Question 5

What is the main function of the pelvic diaphragm muscles?

Accepted Answer

Support of pelvic organs and resistance to increased intra-abdominal pressure

Question 6

Which of the following statements about muscle contraction force is correct?

Accepted Answer

Muscle fibers with sarcomeres at 80–120% of their normal resting length generate more force.

Question 7

Which muscle group is responsible for lateral flexion and rotation of the trunk?

Accepted Answer

Rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, and transversus abdominis

Question 8

In the lever system of skeletal muscles, which component represents the bone that moves on a fixed point?

Accepted Answer

Lever

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter effect is unique to smooth muscle tissue compared to skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

A neurotransmitter can have a stimulatory effect in one organ and an inhibitory effect in another.

Question 10

Which muscle is the powerful forearm extensor located in the posterior compartment of the arm?

Accepted Answer

Triceps brachii

Question 11

What is the primary action of the gluteus maximus muscle?

Accepted Answer

Laterally rotates and extends thigh

Question 12

Which muscle group is most likely to be injured in a 'pulled hamstring' sports injury?

Accepted Answer

Hamstring group (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus)

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the diaphragm muscle?

Accepted Answer

Enlargement of the rib cage during inspiration

Question 14

Which muscle acts to plantar flex the ankle and is classified as a superficial muscle of the posterior compartment of the leg?

Accepted Answer

Gastrocnemius

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why smooth muscle can maintain contraction for prolonged periods with little energy cost?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle cells are electrically coupled by gap junctions and contract slowly.

Question 16

Which muscle is NOT part of the quadriceps group?

Accepted Answer

Biceps femoris

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the arrangement of fascicles in skeletal muscles?

Accepted Answer

Circular muscles have fascicles arranged in concentric rings.

Question 18

Which muscle is responsible for flexing and supinating the forearm?

Accepted Answer

Biceps brachii

Question 19

Which of the following factors does NOT increase the force of muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the relative size of the muscle

Question 20

Which muscle is a prime mover for arm adduction and is located in the anterior thorax?

Accepted Answer

Pectoralis major

Chapter 10: The Muscular System – Structure, Function, and Major Muscles

Study Guide - Practice Questions