COM Anatomy & Physiology of the Orofacial Complex 3

Question 1

The lateral pterygoid muscle's inferior head is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Protracting the mandible and initiating opening

Answer

The inferior head of the lateral pterygoid protracts the mandible and assists with jaw opening by pulling the condyle and disc anteriorly.

Question 2

Which structure separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity?

Accepted Answer

Both the hard and soft palate together

Answer

The hard palate forms the bony floor of the nasal cavity anteriorly, while the soft palate extends this separation posteriorly; together they form the roof of the mouth and floor of the nasal cavity.

Question 3

The genioglossus is the largest tongue muscle and its primary function includes:

Accepted Answer

Protracting the tongue and depressing the central tongue body

Answer

The genioglossus, originating from the mental spine of the mandible, primarily protracts the tongue and depresses the central dorsum creating a trough shape.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of the levator veli palatini during swallowing?

Accepted Answer

Elevates the soft palate to achieve velopharyngeal closure

Answer

The levator veli palatini is the main elevator of the soft palate, lifting it superoposteriorly to close the velopharyngeal port during swallowing and speech.

Question 5

The frenum of the tongue (lingual frenum) connects the tongue to the:

Accepted Answer

Floor of the mouth (mucosa overlying the mandible)

Answer

The lingual frenum is a fold of mucous membrane connecting the inferior surface of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

(COM) Certified Orofacial Myologist Practice Test

COM Anatomy & Physiology of the Orofacial Complex 3