ACSM-EP Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is the primary hip flexor and originates from the lumbar vertebrae and iliac fossa?
- Rectus femoris
- Iliopsoas (Correct answer)
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Sartorius
Correct answer: Iliopsoas
The iliopsoas, composed of the iliacus and psoas major, is the primary hip flexor originating from the lumbar vertebrae (psoas) and iliac fossa (iliacus).
Question 2: The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles. Which of the following is NOT part of the rotator cuff?
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres major (Correct answer)
- Subscapularis
Correct answer: Teres major
The rotator cuff consists of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis; teres major is not part of the rotator cuff.
Question 3: Which joint type allows the greatest range of motion and is classified as a ball-and-socket joint?
- Glenohumeral joint (Correct answer)
- Tibiofemoral joint
- Sternoclavicular joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
Correct answer: Glenohumeral joint
The glenohumeral (shoulder) joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body.
Question 4: Which ligament of the knee prevents anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur?
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Medial collateral ligament
- Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct answer)
- Lateral collateral ligament
Correct answer: Anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resists anterior tibial translation and rotational forces, making it the primary stabilizer against anterior knee displacement.
Question 5: The soleus muscle differs from the gastrocnemius in that it:
- Crosses only the ankle joint (Correct answer)
- Is a fast-twitch dominant muscle
- Originates on the femur
- Inserts on the calcaneus via the patellar tendon
Correct answer: Crosses only the ankle joint
Unlike the gastrocnemius which crosses both the knee and ankle, the soleus originates below the knee and crosses only the ankle joint.
Question 6: Which bone marking serves as the attachment site for the patellar tendon on the tibia?
- Medial malleolus
- Tibial tuberosity (Correct answer)
- Lateral condyle
- Fibular head
Correct answer: Tibial tuberosity
The patellar tendon (ligament) inserts on the tibial tuberosity, the bony prominence on the anterior proximal tibia.
Question 7: Which of the following describes the function of the trapezius muscle's lower fibers?
- Elevate the scapula
- Retract and depress the scapula (Correct answer)
- Protract the scapula
- Flex the cervical spine
Correct answer: Retract and depress the scapula
The lower trapezius fibers retract and depress the scapula, working synergistically with the upper fibers during overhead movements.
ACSM-EP Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2
Which muscle is the primary hip flexor and originates from the lumbar vertebrae and iliac fossa?