NCLEX : Muscle Identification

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Muscle Identification

The frontalis muscle does which of the following actions?

Possible Answers:

Lifts the eyelids

Raises the eyebrows

Lowers the eyelids

Furrows the brow

Correct answer:

Raises the eyebrows

Explanation:

The frontalis muscle lifts the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead. The brow is furrowed by the corrugator supercilii muscle, and the eye lids are raised by the levator palpebrae superioris and lowered by the orbicularis oculi.

Example Question #21 : Musculoskeletal System And Anatomy

What is the insertion of the masseter?

Possible Answers:

The coronoid process of the mandible

The mandibular condyle

The submandibular fossa of the jaw

The temporal bone

Correct answer:

The coronoid process of the mandible

Explanation:

The masseter is a quadrilateral muscle that originates from the zygomatic arch and maxilla and inserts into the coronoid process of the mandible. It's function is to lift the mandible, closing the jaw. 

 

Example Question #511 : Nclex

What is the function of the risorius?

Possible Answers:

Purses the lips

Keeps food between the teeth

Depresses the lower lip

Retracts the angle of the mouth (smiling)

Correct answer:

Retracts the angle of the mouth (smiling)

Explanation:

The risorius is a small facial muscle that originates on the parotic fascia and inserts into the modiolus. It's primary action is to retract the corners of the mouth in smiling. The lips are pursed by the orbicularis oris. The mouth is compressed and food is kept between the teeth by the buccinator muscle. The lower lip is depressed by the depressor labii inferioris.

Example Question #3 : Muscle Identification

What are the origin and insertion of the orbicularis oris?

Possible Answers:

The maxilla and mandible; the skin of the lips

The temporomandibular joint; the buccinator

The zygomatic arch; the modiolus

The mandibular condyle; the fascia of the masseter

Correct answer:

The maxilla and mandible; the skin of the lips

Explanation:

The orbicularis oris, a circular muscle that compresses the lips, originates on the maxilla and mandible and inserts into the skin of the lips

Example Question #512 : Nclex

Which of the following muscles assists in frowning?

Possible Answers:

The temporoparietalis muscle

The depressor supercilii 

The depressor anguli oris

The auricular muscles

Correct answer:

The depressor anguli oris

Explanation:

The depressor anguli oris is a small triangular muscle that originates on the mandible and inserts into the modiolus. It's main action is to lower the corners of the mouth in frowning. The auricular muscles are a part of the inner ear. The temporoparietalis muscle is a thin muscle covering the temporal bone, and the depressor supercilii is a muscle of the eye.

Example Question #5 : Muscle Identification

Which of the following muscles controls the amplitude of sound waves in the inner ear?

Possible Answers:

The lateral rectus

The auriculares

The stapedius

The ciliary muscles

Correct answer:

The stapedius

Explanation:

The stapedius, the smallest muscle in the human body, controls the amplitude of sound vibrations pulling on the neck of the stapes.The auriculares move the ears. The ciliary muscle and the lateral rectus are both muscles of the eye.

Example Question #6 : Muscle Identification

What is the action of the superior oblique muscle of the eye?

Possible Answers:

Elevates the eyelid

Elevates the eye

Externally rotates the eye

Depresses and internally rotates the eye

Correct answer:

Depresses and internally rotates the eye

Explanation:

The superior oblique originates on the annulus of Zinn and inserts into the outer posterior eye. It's action is to depress and internally rotate the eye. 

Example Question #31 : Musculoskeletal System And Anatomy

Which of the following innervates the platysma?

Possible Answers:

The facial nerve (CN VII)

The mylohyoid nerve

The vagus nerve

The motor accessory nerve

Correct answer:

The facial nerve (CN VII)

Explanation:

The platysma, a sheet-like muscle that traverses the neck from the clavicle to the mouth and jaw, is innervated by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Example Question #1 : Muscle Identification

Which of the following muscles has its origin on the mastoid process of the temporal bone?

Possible Answers:

The semispinalis capitis

The rectus capitis posterior minor

The rectus capitis posterior major

The splenius capitis

Correct answer:

The splenius capitis

Explanation:

The splenius capitis, one of the main extenders of the neck, has it's origin on the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The rectus capitis posterior minor, the rectus capitis posterior major, and the semispinalis capitis all originate on the nuchal line of the occipital bone.

Example Question #1 : Muscle Identification

What are the main muscles responsible for keeping an upright spinal position?

Possible Answers:

The levatores costarum

The rhomboids

The erector spinae

The latissimus dorsi

Correct answer:

The erector spinae

Explanation:

While all of the muscles listed are part of the structure and mobility of the back, the main muscle group responsible for maintaining erect posture in the erector spinae. 

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