CMT Orofacial Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which muscle is primarily responsible for depressing the mandible during opening?
- Masseter
- Lateral pterygoid (Correct answer)
- Medial pterygoid
- Temporalis
Correct answer: Lateral pterygoid
The lateral pterygoid muscle pulls the condyle forward and downward, initiating mandibular depression.
Question 2: The palatoglossus muscle connects the tongue to which structure?
- Hard palate
- Soft palate (Correct answer)
- Hyoid bone
- Mandible
Correct answer: Soft palate
The palatoglossus originates from the soft palate and inserts into the lateral tongue, forming the anterior tonsillar pillar.
Question 3: Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication?
- CN VII
- CN IX
- CN V3 (Correct answer)
- CN XII
Correct answer: CN V3
The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) provides motor innervation to the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.
Question 4: The frenulum linguae connects the tongue to which oral structure?
- Upper lip
- Hard palate
- Floor of the mouth (Correct answer)
- Soft palate
Correct answer: Floor of the mouth
The lingual frenulum is a fold of mucous membrane connecting the inferior tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Question 5: Which bone houses the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) fossa?
- Parietal bone
- Zygomatic bone
- Temporal bone (Correct answer)
- Sphenoid bone
Correct answer: Temporal bone
The mandibular fossa of the temporal bone forms the socket component of the TMJ.
Question 6: The genioglossus muscle primarily performs which tongue movement?
- Tongue elevation
- Tongue retraction
- Tongue protrusion (Correct answer)
- Tongue lateralization
Correct answer: Tongue protrusion
The genioglossus is the primary tongue protruder, originating from the mandibular symphysis and fanning into the tongue body.
Question 7: Which salivary gland produces the most serous (watery) saliva?
- Sublingual gland
- Submandibular gland
- Minor labial glands
- Parotid gland (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Parotid gland
The parotid gland produces purely serous saliva and accounts for roughly 25% of total saliva volume.
CMT Orofacial Anatomy & Physiology 2
Which muscle is primarily responsible for depressing the mandible during opening?