Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

The elbow is distal to which of the following structures?

Answer: Wrist

In directional anatomy, 'distal' refers to a point further away from the trunk or the point of origin of a body part. The elbow is located on the arm, and the wrist is further down the arm, away from the shoulder (which is closer to the trunk). Therefore, the wrist is distal to the elbow.

What in directional anatomy does the term "lateral" mean?

Answer: Away from the midline of the body

In anatomical terminology, 'lateral' describes a position or direction that is further away from the midline of the body. Conversely, 'medial' refers to a position closer to the midline. For example, the ears are lateral to the nose, and the arms are lateral to the torso.

Which of the following phrases best depicts a crack in a bone, particularly the skull?

Answer: Foramen

A foramen is a natural opening or passage in a bone, such as those found in the skull for nerves and blood vessels. It is a pre-existing anatomical structure, distinct from a 'crack,' which refers to a fracture or break in the bone. Therefore, a foramen does not depict a crack; they are fundamentally different anatomical concepts.

Which muscle causes wrinkles on the nose?

Answer: Procerus

The Procerus muscle is a small facial muscle located over the bridge of the nose, between the eyebrows. When it contracts, it pulls the skin downwards, creating horizontal wrinkles across the nasal bridge. This action is typically associated with expressions of scowling or disgust.

What muscle, positioned in the middle of the sole of the foot and supplied by the medial plantar nerve, is laterally to the abductor hallucis?

Answer: Flexor digitorum brevis

The Flexor digitorum brevis is a superficial muscle in the sole of the foot, positioned centrally. It lies immediately lateral to the abductor hallucis and medial to the abductor digiti minimi, making it centrally located. This muscle is responsible for flexing the lateral four toes and receives its innervation from the medial plantar nerve.

Which of the following muscles has its origins on the pubis and is one of three that inserts into the "pes anserinus," or anteromedial aspect, of the tibia?

Answer: Gracilis

The Gracilis muscle originates from the inferior ramus of the pubis and inserts onto the anteromedial surface of the proximal tibia. This insertion point is part of the 'pes anserinus,' a common tendon shared with the Sartorius and Semitendinosus muscles. The Gracilis is unique among the adductors as it crosses both the hip and knee joints.

What number of muscles connect to the talus?

Answer: Zero

The talus is a unique tarsal bone in the ankle because it has no direct muscle attachments. Its surface is almost entirely covered by articular cartilage, facilitating smooth movement within the ankle joint. Instead of muscles, it is held in place and supported by strong ligaments.

You spot a woman with a "clawed hand" in the mall. Her distal phalanges are flexible. The injured nerve and most likely area are both .

Answer: the ulnar nerve, lateral to the pisiform bone

A 'clawed hand' with flexible distal phalanges indicates an ulnar nerve lesion distal to the innervation of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) to digits 4 and 5. This suggests the injury is at Guyon's canal, which is lateral to the pisiform bone. A more proximal lesion (e.g., at the medial epicondyle) would typically affect the FDP, resulting in less flexibility of the distal phalanges.

Which muscle causes arm abduction that is greater than 15 degrees?

Answer: Deltoid

The deltoid muscle is the primary muscle responsible for arm abduction beyond the initial 15 degrees. While the supraspinatus initiates abduction (0-15 degrees), the deltoid takes over to lift the arm powerfully away from the body. Its three heads work synergistically to achieve this range of motion.

Which response option accurately identifies the number of each vertebral type?

Answer: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal

The human vertebral column is typically composed of 33 vertebrae, divided into five distinct regions. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral, and 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae. This specific numerical arrangement is a fundamental aspect of human anatomy.

The scapula is not attached to which of the following muscles?

Answer: Triceps brachii, lateral head

The lateral head of the triceps brachii originates from the posterior surface of the humerus, superior to the radial groove. In contrast, the long head of the triceps brachii originates from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula. Therefore, the lateral head is the only option listed that does not attach to the scapula.

What on the list below does not belong to the sternum?

Answer: Zygomatic process

The sternum, or breastbone, consists of three main parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. The zygomatic process, however, is a bony projection found on the temporal and zygomatic bones, forming part of the cheekbone. It is not associated with the sternum.

There are how many pairs of ribs in the thoracic cavity?

Answer: Twelve

The human thoracic cavity typically contains 12 pairs of ribs, totaling 24 individual ribs. These ribs articulate with the thoracic vertebrae posteriorly and, for most, connect to the sternum anteriorly, either directly or indirectly. This number is a standard anatomical count.

What bone has the moniker "atlas"?

Answer: The first cervical vertebra

The first cervical vertebra (C1) is commonly known as the atlas. It is named after the mythological figure Atlas, who supported the heavens, reflecting its role in supporting the skull. This vertebra is unique for lacking a vertebral body and spinous process, instead forming a ring that articulates with the occipital condyles.

Which of the following does not describe a femur feature?

Answer: Malleolus

The malleolus, specifically the medial and lateral malleoli, are prominent bony projections found at the ankle joint, belonging to the tibia and fibula, respectively. The femur, or thigh bone, features include the patellar surface, linea aspera, and medial/lateral condyles, but not a malleolus.

In which bone is the olecranon fossa located?

Answer: Humerus

The olecranon fossa is a deep depression located on the posterior aspect of the distal humerus. This fossa serves as a crucial anatomical feature, accommodating the olecranon process of the ulna when the elbow joint is fully extended. This interaction allows for the complete extension of the forearm.