Musculoskeletal Anatomy Flashcards

The femoral triangle contains several important structures. Which muscle forms its medial border?

Answer: Adductor longus

The adductor longus forms the medial border of the femoral triangle, while the inguinal ligament forms the superior border and the sartorius forms the lateral border.

Which type of cartilage is found in the intervertebral discs and menisci of the knee?

Answer: Fibrocartilage

Fibrocartilage, which contains dense collagen fibers, is found in the intervertebral discs and knee menisci where compressive and tensile forces are high.

The deltoid muscle has three heads. Which head is the primary shoulder abductor initiating movement from 0–15 degrees?

Answer: Middle deltoid

The middle (lateral) deltoid is the primary mover for shoulder abduction, working after the supraspinatus initiates the first 0–15 degrees of movement.

Which muscle is the primary wrist extensor and originates on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus?

Answer: Extensor carpi radialis brevis

The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) is a primary wrist extensor originating from the lateral epicondyle; its overuse is a common cause of lateral epicondylitis.

A synarthrotic joint is best characterized as:

Answer: Immovable with fibrous or bony union

Synarthrotic joints are immovable joints united by fibrous tissue or bone, such as skull sutures and the manubriosternal joint in adults.

Which structure is responsible for attaching muscle to bone?

Answer: Tendon

Tendons are dense regular connective tissue structures that attach muscle to bone, transmitting the contractile force of muscle to create skeletal movement.

The erector spinae muscle group includes three columns. Which column is most lateral?

Answer: Iliocostalis

The iliocostalis is the most lateral column of the erector spinae, followed medially by the longissimus and then the spinalis closest to the spine.