Human Anatomy and Physiology : Identifying Tendons and Ligaments

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

What nerve is compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome?

Possible Answers:

Recurrent branch of the median nerve

Ulnar nerve

Median nerve

Radial nerve

Axillary nerve

Correct answer:

Median nerve

Explanation:

The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel with the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis, felxor digitorum profundus, and flexor pollicus longus. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel. Compression of the nerve results in tingling and numbness in the fingers.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

__________ attach skeletal muscles to bones, and __________ connect one bone to another. 

Possible Answers:

Ligaments . . . aponeuroses

Reticular tissues . . . tendons

Ligaments . . . tendons

Tendons . . . ligaments

Aponeuroses . . . tendons

Correct answer:

Tendons . . . ligaments

Explanation:

Tendons always connect muscles to bones, and ligaments always connect bones to bones. Reticular tissues are connective tissue that are found around the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Aponeuroses are connective tissue that primarily binds muscle to muscle.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

The lateral thickening of the fascia lata forms what?

Possible Answers:

Anterior rectus sheath

Popliteal fascia

Iliotibial (IT) band

Posterior rectus sheath

Crurial fascia of the leg

Correct answer:

Iliotibial (IT) band

Explanation:

The fascia lata of the thigh thickens laterally to form the iliotibial (IT) band. The crurial fascia of the leg is found below the knee. The anterior and posterior rectus sheaths are found in the abdominal region. The popliteal fascia is found on the posterior side of the knee. 

Example Question #3 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

Which of the following structures is not found in the knee?

Possible Answers:

Medial collateral ligament

Glenohumeral ligament

Anterior cruciate ligament

Lateral meniscus

Posterior cruciate ligament

Correct answer:

Glenohumeral ligament

Explanation:

The glenohumeral ligaments are not found in the knee. The superior, inferior, and medial glenohumeral ligaments are found in the shoulder and play a role in stabilizing the glenohumeral joint, which connects the humerus and the glenoid fossa of the scapula.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral meniscus are all structures found in the knee.

Example Question #4 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

Which of the following is not a ligament in the shoulder?

Possible Answers:

Coracoacromial ligament

Acromioclavicular ligament

Coracoclavicular ligament

Superior glenohumeral ligament

Medial collateral ligament

Correct answer:

Medial collateral ligament

Explanation:

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is not part of the shoulder, but is a ligament on the medial side of the knee.

The superior glenohumeral ligament, acromioclavicular ligament, coracoclavicular ligament, coracoacromial ligament are all ligaments of the shoulder. Major structures related to should functionality include the glenoid fossa, the acromion process, and the coracoid process, which are all structures of the scaupla. The humerus and clavicle articulate with the processes to form the shoulder joints.

Example Question #3 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

The calcaneal tendon is formed from the joined tendons of all of the following muscles except the __________.

Possible Answers:

Tendons from all of these muscles combine to form the calcaneal tendon

plantaris

gastrocnemius

popliteus 

soleus

Correct answer:

popliteus 

Explanation:

The calcaneal tendon (also called the Achilles tendon) is formed from the combined tendons of all the superficial muscles of the posterior leg. These muscles are the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris.

The popliteus is a muscle of the posterior leg, however it is found in the deep layer. It functions in unlocking the knee from the extended position.

Example Question #4 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

Where could one find the coronary ligament?

Possible Answers:

Shoulder

Knee

Heart

Pericardium

Lungs

Correct answer:

Knee

Explanation:

There are two different coronary ligaments in the body. The coronary ligament of the liver serves to connect the liver to the inferior surface of the diaphragm; as this is not an answer option, we must be looking at the second type of coronary ligament.

The coronary ligament of the knee serves to connect the menisci to the tibial condyles, and is continuous with the joint capsule of the knee.

Example Question #5 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

Which of the following is a ligament found in the foot?

Possible Answers:

Arcuate popliteal ligament

Oblique popliteal ligament

Cervical ligament

Anterior cruciate ligament

Correct answer:

Cervical ligament

Explanation:

The anterior cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee by preventing excess anterior tibial translation. The oblique popliteal ligament stabilizes the posteromedial ligament. The arcuate popliteal ligament stabilizes the posterolateral knee capsule.The cervical ligament helps stabilize the subtalar joint.

Example Question #6 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

Which of the following hip movements, does the ischiofemoral ligament not resist?

Possible Answers:

Adduction

External rotation

Internal rotation

Extension

Correct answer:

External rotation

Explanation:

Depending on the portion of the ligament, the ischiofemoral ligament resists femoral (hip) extension, internal rotation, and adduction. The lateral fibers of this ligament resist internal rotation and extension, while its more superior fibers resist adduction. External rotation is resisted primarily by the iliofemoral ligament.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Tendons And Ligaments

The sustentaculum part of which bone?

Possible Answers:

Calcaneus

Talus

Tibia

Navicular

Correct answer:

Calcaneus

Explanation:

The sustentaculum tali projects from the medial calcaneus. It serves as an attachment site for the tibiocalcanel fibers of the deltoid ligament. Additionally, it serves an attachment for the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament.

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