Question 1

A patient presents with difficulty closing their eyes, resulting in dryness and irritation. Which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oculi

Question 2

During a physical exam, a patient is asked to smile. Which muscle is primarily responsible for raising the lateral corners of the mouth?

Accepted Answer

Zygomaticus

Question 3

A person is unable to purse their lips for kissing. Which muscle is most likely not functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oris

Question 4

If the sternocleidomastoid muscles contract together, what is the resulting movement?

Accepted Answer

Flexion of the neck

Question 5

Which muscle is the prime mover of arm abduction?

Accepted Answer

Deltoid

Question 6

A baseball pitcher injures a muscle responsible for lateral rotation of the humerus. Which muscle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Infraspinatus

Question 7

Which muscle is involved in both flexion of the forearm and supination of the forearm?

Accepted Answer

Biceps brachii

Question 8

A patient has difficulty flexing their wrist and abducting their hand. Which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Flexor carpi radialis

Question 9

Which muscle is responsible for plantarflexion and eversion of the foot?

Accepted Answer

Fibularis longus

Question 10

A runner complains of pain when pushing off with their big toe. Which muscle is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Flexor hallucis longus

Question 11

Which muscle assists in abduction of the humerus and stabilizes the shoulder joint?

Accepted Answer

Supraspinatus

Question 12

During cross-legged sitting, which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing and laterally rotating the thigh?

Accepted Answer

Sartorius

Question 13

Which muscle is the prime mover for arm extension, adduction, and medial rotation?

Accepted Answer

Latissimus dorsi

Question 14

A patient is unable to extend their knee. Which muscle group is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis)

Question 15

Which muscle is responsible for compressing abdominal contents?

Accepted Answer

Transversus abdominis

Question 16

A patient presents with difficulty elevating their jaw to chew. Which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Masseter

Question 17

Which muscle is responsible for extending the head, retracting, elevating, and depressing the scapula?

Accepted Answer

Trapezius

Question 18

A patient is unable to dorsiflex and invert their foot. Which muscle is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Tibialis anterior

Question 19

Which muscle is involved in flexing the trunk on the thigh and acts as a hip flexor?

Accepted Answer

Iliopsoas

Question 20

A patient is unable to extend their thumb. Which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Extensor pollicis longus

Human Muscles: Identification and Actions – Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions