Orofacial Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
7 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Orofacial Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
Which muscle is primarily responsible for depressing the mandible during opening?
Answer: Lateral pterygoid
The lateral pterygoid muscle pulls the condyle forward and downward, initiating mandibular depression.
The palatoglossus muscle connects the tongue to which structure?
Answer: Soft palate
The palatoglossus originates from the soft palate and inserts into the lateral tongue, forming the anterior tonsillar pillar.
Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication?
Answer: CN V3
The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) provides motor innervation to the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.
The frenulum linguae connects the tongue to which oral structure?
Answer: Floor of the mouth
The lingual frenulum is a fold of mucous membrane connecting the inferior tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Which bone houses the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fossa?
Answer: Temporal bone
The mandibular fossa of the temporal bone forms the socket component of the TMJ.
The genioglossus muscle primarily performs which tongue movement?
Answer: Tongue protrusion
The genioglossus is the primary tongue protruder, originating from the mandibular symphysis and fanning into the tongue body.
Which salivary gland produces the most serous (watery) saliva?
Answer: Parotid gland
The parotid gland produces purely serous saliva and accounts for roughly 25% of total saliva volume.