Question 1

Which muscle is primarily responsible for elevating the mandible during mastication, and what is its origin?

Accepted Answer

Masseter; origin: zygomatic arch and bone

Question 2

Which cranial nerve innervates the muscles of facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 3

A patient is unable to close their eyelids voluntarily. Which muscle and nerve are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oculi; Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 4

Which muscle is NOT a muscle of mastication but assists by controlling the position of food while chewing?

Accepted Answer

Buccinator

Question 5

The sternocleidomastoid muscle, when contracted unilaterally, produces which movement?

Accepted Answer

Lateral flexion of the neck to the same side and rotation of the face to the opposite side

Question 6

Which muscle is responsible for smiling by drawing the corners of the mouth laterally and superiorly?

Accepted Answer

Zygomaticus major

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the action of the lateral pterygoid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Protrusion and lateral deviation of the mandible

Question 8

During forced inspiration, which group of neck muscles elevates the rib cage?

Accepted Answer

Scalene muscles

Question 9

Which muscle is responsible for compressing and protruding the lips, as in kissing?

Accepted Answer

Orbicularis oris

Question 10

A lesion of the abducens nerve (CN VI) would most likely affect which extrinsic eye muscle and movement?

Accepted Answer

Lateral rectus; abduction of the eye

Question 11

Which muscle originates from the temporal lines/fascia and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible?

Accepted Answer

Temporalis

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of the function of the suprahyoid muscles?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the hyoid bone during swallowing

Question 13

Which muscle is responsible for elevating the superior eyelid and is NOT innervated by the facial nerve?

Accepted Answer

Levator palpebrae superioris

Question 14

Which movement of the mandible is primarily produced by the digastric and infrahyoid muscles?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Question 15

Which muscle group attaches to the hyoid, thyroid cartilage, and sternum, and is involved in depressing the mandible?

Accepted Answer

Infrahyoid muscles

Question 16

Which muscle of mastication has a multipennate internal architecture and is innervated by the trigeminal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Masseter

Question 17

If a patient presents with difficulty retracting their mandible, which muscle is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Posterior temporalis

Question 18

Which muscle is described as a thin, delicate sheet covering the central/anterior face and neck, and is involved in facial expression?

Accepted Answer

Platysma

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the action of the medial pterygoid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Elevation and protrusion of the mandible

Question 20

Which muscle is responsible for drawing the scalp posteriorly, raising the eyebrows, and wrinkling the forehead?

Accepted Answer

Occipitalis

Myology of the Head and Neck: Major Muscles, Origins, Insertions, and Functions

Study Guide - Practice Questions