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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Identify the Highlighted Muscle - Test Your Muscle Knowledge

Which muscle is highlighted? Dive in and prove your skills!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for muscle identification quiz on dark blue background

This quiz helps you identify the highlighted muscle in each image and recall its main action and attachment. Use it now to check gaps before an exam, then keep going with the muscle anatomy practice and the skeletal muscle set .

Which muscle is highlighted on the anterior side of the upper arm and is primarily responsible for forearm flexion?
Brachialis
Coracobrachialis
Biceps brachii
Triceps brachii
The biceps brachii is a two-headed muscle on the anterior arm that flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm. It originates from the scapula and inserts on the radial tuberosity. The brachialis lies deeper and also flexes the elbow but is not the superficial highlighted muscle. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the posterior side of the upper arm and extends the elbow?
Anconeus
Brachioradialis
Biceps brachii
Triceps brachii
The triceps brachii is located on the back of the arm and is the primary extensor of the elbow joint. It has three heads - long, lateral, and medial - that converge on the olecranon of the ulna. Anconeus is a small accessory muscle in elbow extension but is not the highlighted muscle. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the shoulder and abducts the arm?
Supraspinatus
Latissimus dorsi
Deltoid
Pectoralis major
The deltoid muscle caps the shoulder and is the prime mover for arm abduction beyond the initial 15 degrees. The supraspinatus initiates abduction but is smaller and located deep to the deltoid. .
Which superficial chest muscle is highlighted and adducts the arm across the body?
Pectoralis minor
Subclavius
Serratus anterior
Pectoralis major
Pectoralis major is the large superficial chest muscle that adducts and medially rotates the humerus. It spans from the clavicle and sternum to the humerus. Pectoralis minor lies deep and stabilizes the scapula rather than acting on the humerus. .
Which large back muscle is highlighted and is responsible for arm adduction and extension?
Levator scapulae
Rhomboid major
Teres major
Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a broad, flat muscle that extends, adducts, and medially rotates the humerus. It originates from the lower back and inserts on the humeral shaft. Teres major also assists in these movements but is smaller and located higher on the scapula. .
Which calf muscle is highlighted and plantarflexes the foot?
Soleus
Tibialis posterior
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius is the prominent two-headed muscle on the back of the calf that plantarflexes the foot and flexes the knee. It sits superficially over the soleus. The soleus lies deep and also plantarflexes but is not the highlighted superficial muscle. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the anterior abdomen and flexes the vertebral column?
Internal oblique
Rectus abdominis
External oblique
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis runs vertically along the anterior abdominal wall and is responsible for trunk flexion. It is segmented by tendinous intersections, creating the "six-pack" appearance. Obliques and transversus abdominis assist with rotation and stabilization rather than primary flexion. .
Which buttock muscle is highlighted and extends the thigh?
Gluteus maximus
Piriformis
Tensor fasciae latae
Gluteus medius
Gluteus maximus is the largest gluteal muscle and the primary extensor of the hip. It originates on the ilium and sacrum and inserts on the iliotibial tract and femur. Gluteus medius abducts and medially rotates the thigh rather than extending it. .
Which quadriceps muscle is highlighted centrally and extends the knee?
Vastus intermedius
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus medialis
Rectus femoris is the central muscle of the quadriceps group and crosses both the hip and knee joints, enabling hip flexion and knee extension. Vastus muscles lie deeper or to the sides and only act on the knee. .
Which muscle on the lateral shin is highlighted and dorsiflexes the foot?
Tibialis anterior
Soleus
Extensor digitorum longus
Peroneus longus
Tibialis anterior is located on the anterior-lateral aspect of the tibia and dorsiflexes the foot at the ankle joint. It also inverts the foot. Extensor digitorum longus dorsiflexes but primarily extends toes. .
Which portion of the trapezius is highlighted running from neck to shoulder and elevates the scapula?
Middle trapezius
Lower trapezius
Upper trapezius
Levator scapulae
The upper fibers of the trapezius run from the occiput and cervical vertebrae to the clavicle and scapular spine, elevating and upwardly rotating the scapula. Middle fibers retract, and lower fibers depress the scapula. .
Which facial muscle encircling the eye is highlighted and allows blinking?
Orbicularis oculi
Zygomaticus major
Orbicularis oris
Mentalis
Orbicularis oculi is a circular muscle around the eye that closes the eyelids, enabling blinking and winking. Orbicularis oris encircles the mouth for lip movements. .
Which jaw muscle is highlighted and elevates the mandible?
Lateral pterygoid
Masseter
Medial pterygoid
Temporalis
The masseter is a powerful chewing muscle on the lateral jaw that elevates the mandible. Temporalis assists jaw elevation but is more fan-shaped on the temporal bone. .
Which neck muscle is highlighted running from sternum to mastoid process and flexes the neck?
Platysma
Sternocleidomastoid
Splenius capitis
Scalenus anterior
Sternocleidomastoid has two heads that originate on the sternum and clavicle and insert on the mastoid process. It flexes and rotates the head. Scalenes also flex the neck but attach to cervical transverse processes and ribs. .
Which muscle is highlighted around the mouth and controls lip movement?
Depressor labii inferioris
Orbicularis oris
Risorius
Buccinator
Orbicularis oris encircles the mouth and controls the movements of the lips for puckering and closure. Buccinator compresses the cheek. .
Which temporal region muscle is highlighted and assists with jaw closure?
Masseter
Medial pterygoid
Temporalis
Lateral pterygoid
Temporalis is a fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head that elevates and retracts the mandible. Masseter is more powerful but is located on the lateral jaw. .
Which muscle on the lateral thigh is highlighted and abducts the hip?
Gluteus maximus
Adductor longus
Tensor fasciae latae
Iliopsoas
Tensor fasciae latae is a small muscle on the lateral thigh that assists in hip abduction and medial rotation. It tenses the iliotibial tract. Gluteus medius is a larger hip abductor but is located deeper. .
Which rotator cuff muscle is highlighted atop the scapula and assists in initial arm abduction?
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres minor
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus sits in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and initiates the first 15 degrees of arm abduction before the deltoid takes over. The other rotator cuff muscles perform rotation or stabilization. .
Which rotator cuff muscle is highlighted on the posterior scapula and externally rotates the arm?
Teres minor
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Deltoid
Infraspinatus originates below the spine of the scapula in the infraspinous fossa and is a primary external rotator of the humerus. Teres minor also externally rotates but is smaller and inferior. .
Which rotator cuff muscle is highlighted on the anterior scapula and internally rotates the humerus?
Infraspinatus
Subscapularis
Teres major
Supraspinatus
Subscapularis lies in the subscapular fossa on the anterior surface of the scapula and internally rotates the humerus. It is the largest rotator cuff muscle. .
Which muscle on the scapular border is highlighted and retracts the scapula?
Levator scapulae
Trapezius
Serratus anterior
Rhomboid major
Rhomboid major connects the medial border of the scapula to the spine and retracts the scapula. Serratus anterior protracts the scapula. Trapezius has multiple actions depending on fiber orientation. .
Which forearm muscle is highlighted on the flexor compartment and pronates the forearm?
Flexor carpi radialis
Pronator teres
Supinator
Brachioradialis
Pronator teres originates on the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the coronoid process of the ulna, inserting on the lateral radius and pronating the forearm. Supinator does the opposite action. .
Which superficial forearm extensor is highlighted on the radial side and extends the wrist?
Flexor carpi radialis
Extensor digitorum
Extensor carpi ulnaris
Extensor carpi radialis longus
Extensor carpi radialis longus arises from the lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus and extends and abducts the wrist. Extensor carpi ulnaris runs on the ulnar side and adducts the wrist. .
Which forearm muscle is highlighted on the anterior wrist and flexes fingers 2 - 5?
Flexor pollicis longus
Flexor digitorum superficialis
Extensor digitorum
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Flexor digitorum superficialis flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints of digits 2 - 5 and lies superficial to flexor digitorum profundus. Flexor pollicis longus acts on the thumb only. .
Which deep hip flexor muscle is highlighted deep to the iliacus and also flexes the hip?
Psoas major
Iliacus
Rectus femoris
Sartorius
Psoas major originates on the lumbar vertebrae and inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur, acting as a strong hip flexor. Iliacus joins it to form the iliopsoas. Sartorius is a superficial hip flexor and abductor. .
Which thigh adductor is highlighted at the medial thigh and assists in thigh adduction?
Gracilis
Pectineus
Adductor magnus
Adductor longus
Adductor longus is the most superficial of the adductor group on the medial thigh and primarily adducts the femur. Adductor magnus is larger and deeper, and gracilis crosses the knee. .
Which hamstring muscle is highlighted on the medial posterior thigh and flexes the knee?
Semitendinosus
Biceps femoris
Semimembranosus
Sartorius
Semitendinosus lies medial in the posterior thigh and flexes the knee as well as extends the hip. Semimembranosus is deeper and wider but not the highlighted tendon-based muscle. .
Which hamstring muscle is highlighted on the lateral posterior thigh and flexes the knee?
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Biceps femoris
Gluteus maximus
Biceps femoris has a long and short head on the lateral side of the posterior thigh, flexing the knee and externally rotating the leg. Semitendinosus and semimembranosus lie medially. .
Which muscle deep to gastrocnemius is highlighted and plantarflexes the foot?
Plantaris
Soleus
Tibialis posterior
Flexor hallucis longus
The soleus lies deep to gastrocnemius and plantarflexes the foot at the ankle. It originates from the tibia and fibula and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. Plantaris is a small accessory muscle. .
Which muscle on the medial hip is highlighted and flexes the thigh?
Adductor longus
Iliopsoas
Pectineus
Gracilis
Pectineus is a flat muscle at the medial aspect of the hip that flexes and adducts the thigh. Gracilis is more superficial and also crosses the knee. .
Which superficial back muscle is highlighted and retracts the scapula?
Rhomboid major
Serratus anterior
Trapezius
Latissimus dorsi
Rhomboid major retracts the scapula and lies deep to trapezius. Trapezius has multiple functions including elevation and depression depending on the fibers. Serratus anterior protracts the scapula. .
Which deep neck flexor is highlighted and helps in rotating the head?
Sternohyoid
Splenius capitis
Longus colli
Scalenus posterior
Longus colli is a deep cervical muscle that flexes and slightly rotates the neck. It lies anterior to the vertebral bodies. Scalenes attach to ribs and also aid in neck flexion but are more lateral. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the posterior thigh and attaches to the ischial tuberosity with a thick tendon?
Gracilis
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Biceps femoris short head
Semimembranosus has a broad, membranous tendon of origin on the ischial tuberosity and a large tendon insertion on the tibia. Semitendinosus has a long slender tendon, and biceps femoris short head originates on the femur, not ischial tuberosity. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the posterior lateral leg and dorsiflexes the big toe?
Extensor hallucis longus
Extensor digitorum longus
Tibialis anterior
Flexor hallucis longus
Extensor hallucis longus lies deep to tibialis anterior and extends/dorsiflexes the big toe and assists in ankle dorsiflexion. Extensor digitorum longus extends toes 2 - 5, while flexor hallucis longus plantarflexes the toe. .
Which deep muscle of the calf is highlighted and unlocks the knee joint by medially rotating the tibia?
Soleus
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
Plantaris
Popliteus originates on the lateral femoral condyle and inserts on the posterior tibia, unlocking the extended knee by medially rotating the tibia. Plantaris is a small accessory plantarflexor. .
Which small muscle is highlighted adjacent to soleus and often absent, helping in plantarflexion?
Extensor digitorum brevis
Flexor digitorum longus
Popliteus
Plantaris
Plantaris is a small muscle with a long tendon, often absent in some individuals. It assists weakly in plantarflexion and knee flexion. Flexor digitorum longus flexes toes. .
Which lateral rotator of the hip is highlighted passing through the greater sciatic foramen?
Piriformis
Gemellus superior
Quadratus femoris
Obturator internus
Piriformis originates on the anterior surface of the sacrum and exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen to insert on the greater trochanter, laterally rotating the hip. Other deep rotators pass below or around the foramen. .
Which deep lateral rotator of the hip is highlighted below the piriformis?
Quadratus femoris
Obturator internus
Gemellus superior
Inferior gemellus
Gemellus superior lies inferior to the piriformis and superior to the obturator internus tendon, assisting in lateral rotation of the hip. Obturator internus is medial but not directly below piriformis. .
Which deep hip rotator is highlighted inferior to the obturator internus?
Quadratus femoris
Gemellus inferior
Obturator externus
Superior gemellus
Gemellus inferior sits below the tendon of obturator internus and above quadratus femoris on the posterior hip, aiding in lateral rotation. Superior gemellus is above obturator internus. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the medial thigh and is the most superficial adductor?
Adductor longus
Gracilis
Adductor brevis
Pectineus
Gracilis is a long, superficial strap muscle on the medial thigh that adducts the femur and flexes the knee. Adductor brevis and longus lie deeper and shorter. .
Which muscle deep in the pelvis is highlighted passing through the lesser sciatic foramen?
Superior gemellus
Quadratus femoris
Piriformis
Obturator internus
Obturator internus originates inside the pelvis, exits via the lesser sciatic foramen, and inserts on the greater trochanter, laterally rotating the hip. Piriformis exits through the greater foramen. .
Which deep back muscle is highlighted adjacent to the spinous processes and stabilizes vertebral joints?
Latissimus dorsi
Splenius capitis
Multifidus
Erector spinae
Multifidus is part of the transversospinalis group, spanning between vertebrae and stabilizing the spine. Erector spinae is more superficial and extends the spine but does not cross single vertebral segments. .
Which intrinsic foot muscle is highlighted in the dorsal interossei group that abducts toes 2 - 4?
Flexor digitorum brevis
Lumbricals
Plantar interossei
Dorsal interossei
Dorsal interossei are four muscles between metatarsals that abduct toes away from the second toe's midline. Plantar interossei adduct the toes. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the anterior neck and depresses the thyroid cartilage?
Sternothyroid
Omohyoid
Sternohyoid
Sternocleidomastoid
Sternothyroid originates on the manubrium and inserts on the thyroid cartilage, depressing it during swallowing. Sternohyoid and omohyoid act on the hyoid bone rather than the thyroid cartilage. .
Which muscle is highlighted deep to the pectoralis major that stabilizes the scapula by drawing it anteriorly?
Rhomboid minor
Subclavius
Serratus anterior
Pectoralis minor
Pectoralis minor lies beneath pectoralis major, originating from ribs 3 - 5 and inserting on the coracoid process to protract and depress the scapula. Serratus anterior also protracts but is more lateral. .
Which rotator cuff muscle is highlighted on the anterior scapula surface and is part of the cuff group?
Subscapularis
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Pectoralis minor
Subscapularis occupies the subscapular fossa on the anterior aspect of the scapula and medially rotates the humerus, forming the largest portion of the rotator cuff. Supraspinatus and infraspinatus are posterior. .
Which deep back muscle is highlighted laterally to the spinous processes and extends the vertebral column?
Multifidus
Iliocostalis
Spinalis
Longissimus
Longissimus is the intermediate column of the erector spinae group, running lateral to the spinalis and medial to the iliocostalis, extending and laterally flexing the spine. .
Which muscle is highlighted deep in the palm and abducts the thumb?
Abductor pollicis brevis
Opponens pollicis
Adductor pollicis
Flexor pollicis brevis
Abductor pollicis brevis is a thenar muscle that abducts the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint. Opponens pollicis opposes the thumb, and adductor pollicis adducts it. .
Which small muscle is highlighted on the ulnar side of the hand and wrinkles the skin of the hypothenar eminence?
Abductor digiti minimi
Opponens digiti minimi
Palmaris brevis
Flexor digiti minimi brevis
Palmaris brevis is a small muscle in the hypothenar region that wrinkles the skin over the ulnar palm and deepens the cup of the hand. It does not move the digits. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the medial thigh as the smallest part of the adductor magnus group?
Adductor minimus
Adductor longus
Pectineus
Gracilis
Adductor minimus is the superior-most and smallest part of the adductor magnus, inserting on the linea aspera and assisting thigh adduction. It is distinct from the larger magnus portion. .
Which muscle is highlighted on the plantar foot between metatarsals that adducts the toes?
Plantar interossei
Lumbricals
Dorsal interossei
Quadratus plantae
Plantar interossei are three muscles on the medial side of metatarsals that adduct toes toward the second toe. Dorsal interossei abduct the toes. .
Which muscle is highlighted deep to the clavicle and depresses the clavicle?
Pectoralis minor
Subclavius
Sternocleidomastoid
Levator scapulae
Subclavius originates on the first rib and inserts on the inferior surface of the clavicle, helping to stabilize and depress the clavicle. Pectoralis minor acts on the scapula, not the clavicle. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the Highlighted Muscle -

    Accurately identify the highlighted muscle in anatomical images by selecting which muscle is highlighted based on its shape, location, and attachments.

  2. Determine Muscle Function -

    Identify the action of the highlighted muscle and explain how it contributes to movements such as facial expressions or limb motions.

  3. Analyze Muscular Attachments -

    Answer questions like which of the following muscles inserts on the highlighted structure and locate key origin and insertion points for muscles such as the Masseter.

  4. Differentiate Similar Muscles -

    Distinguish between muscles with overlapping regions to confidently solve which structure is highlighted masseter versus adjacent muscles.

  5. Apply Anatomical Knowledge -

    Use your understanding of muscle anatomy to interpret detailed images and strengthen your ability to identify the highlighted muscle in various contexts.

  6. Evaluate Your Mastery -

    Assess your proficiency through scored quiz feedback and track areas for improvement in identifying muscle names and functions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Tracing Origin and Insertion -

    When you identify the highlighted muscle, start by locating its bony landmarks - origins often hide beneath other tissues. For example, the zygomatic arch and mandible are key to pinpointing the masseter (University of Michigan Anatomy). Use the mnemonic "FIDO" (From Insertion, to Origin) to reverse-trace attachments when stumped.

  2. Recognizing Fiber Direction -

    Muscle fiber orientation (parallel, pennate, convergent) is a reliable clue to determine which muscle is highlighted. The external oblique's inferior fibers run "hands-in-pockets" while the rectus abdominis fibers run straight up and down (Gray's Anatomy). Noting fiber angle helps you identify the action of the highlighted muscle quickly.

  3. Surface Landmark Palpation -

    Palpate bony landmarks like the anterior superior iliac spine or the lateral epicondyle to find nearby muscle bellies in cadaver labs. When asked "which muscle is highlighted," use surface anatomy guides from the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. This hands-on approach cements your spatial understanding.

  4. Innervation Clues -

    Knowing which nerve innervates a muscle narrows the field - for instance, the facial nerve's masseteric branch signals the masseter, while the radial nerve targets the triceps brachii (Netter's Atlas). If you're quizzed on "identify the action of the highlighted muscle," pair the nerve with its primary movement. Nerve roots act as a fail-safe when structure alone isn't enough.

  5. Functional Testing Techniques -

    Use manual muscle testing to verify which muscle is highlighted: resist plantarflexion to isolate the gastrocnemius versus the soleus when the knee is extended or flexed (American Physical Therapy Association). Asking "which of the following muscles inserts on the highlighted structure" becomes easier once you link movement to muscular pull. Practice active motion exams to sharpen your clinical identification skills.

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