COM Anatomy & Physiology of the Orofacial Complex 2

Question 1

Which muscle is the primary elevator of the mandible during jaw closure?

Accepted Answer

All three contribute equally

Answer

The masseter, medial pterygoid, and temporalis all contribute to mandibular elevation; no single muscle acts as the sole primary elevator.

Question 2

The hyoglossus muscle originates from the hyoid bone and its primary action is to:

Accepted Answer

Depress and retract the tongue

Answer

The hyoglossus depresses and retracts the tongue by pulling it downward and posteriorly.

Question 3

Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication?

Accepted Answer

CN V3 (Mandibular branch of trigeminal)

Answer

The mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve provides motor innervation to all four muscles of mastication.

Question 4

The palatoglossus muscle is unique among tongue muscles because it is innervated by:

Accepted Answer

CN X (Vagus nerve)

Answer

Unlike all other tongue muscles innervated by CN XII, the palatoglossus is innervated by the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus.

Question 5

The Passavant's ridge is formed by contraction of which muscle during velopharyngeal closure?

Accepted Answer

Superior pharyngeal constrictor

Answer

Passavant's ridge is a prominence formed by contraction of the superior pharyngeal constrictor, assisting velopharyngeal closure.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test