Head and Neck Anatomy Practice Questions
20 free Head and Neck Anatomy practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which bone forms the lower jaw and is the only movable bone of the skull?
- A Maxilla
- B Mandible
- C Zygomatic bone
- D Palatine bone
Correct answer: Mandible
The mandible is the only freely movable bone of the skull. It articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for facial expression?
- A Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- B Facial nerve (CN VII)
- C Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- D Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Correct answer: Facial nerve (CN VII)
The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression. Damage to this nerve can cause facial paralysis.
Which salivary gland is the largest and produces mainly serous secretions?
- A Sublingual gland
- B Submandibular gland
- C Parotid gland
- D Labial gland
Correct answer: Parotid gland
The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and produces watery serous saliva. It is located anterior to the ear.
Which muscle is responsible for closing the jaw during mastication?
- A Lateral pterygoid
- B Masseter
- C Buccinator
- D Superior oblique
Correct answer: Masseter
The masseter is one of the strongest muscles of mastication. It elevates the mandible to close the jaw.
What structure passes through the mandibular foramen?
- A Infraorbital nerve
- B Inferior alveolar nerve
- C Lingual nerve
- D Greater palatine nerve
Correct answer: Inferior alveolar nerve
The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular foramen and supplies sensation to mandibular teeth. It is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
Which artery supplies the maxillary teeth?
- A Ascending pharyngeal artery
- B Middle meningeal artery
- C Posterior superior alveolar artery
- D Inferior thyroid artery
Correct answer: Posterior superior alveolar artery
The posterior superior alveolar artery branches from the maxillary artery. It supplies blood to the maxillary molars and premolars.
Which muscle depresses the mandible and opens the mouth?
- A Temporalis
- B Medial pterygoid
- C Lateral pterygoid
- D Orbicularis oris
Correct answer: Lateral pterygoid
The lateral pterygoid helps open the jaw and protrude the mandible. It works opposite the closing muscles of mastication.
Which structure forms the anterior portion of the nasal septum?
- A Ethmoid bone
- B Sphenoid bone
- C Vomer
- D Septal cartilage
Correct answer: Septal cartilage
The nasal septum is partly bony and partly cartilaginous. The anterior part consists of septal cartilage.
Which sinus is located within the cheekbone area?
- A Frontal sinus
- B Ethmoid sinus
- C Maxillary sinus
- D Sphenoid sinus
Correct answer: Maxillary sinus
The maxillary sinuses lie within the maxilla near the cheek region. They are the largest of the paranasal sinuses.
Which cranial nerve provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
- A Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
- B Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- C Facial nerve (CN VII)
- D Vagus nerve (CN X)
Correct answer: Facial nerve (CN VII)
The facial nerve supplies taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The trigeminal nerve supplies general sensation.
Which bone houses the pituitary gland?
- A Frontal bone
- B Temporal bone
- C Sphenoid bone
- D Occipital bone
Correct answer: Sphenoid bone
The pituitary gland sits in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. This bone forms part of the cranial base.
Which muscle is known as the “smiling muscle”?
- A Zygomaticus major
- B Buccinator
- C Orbicularis oculi
- D Depressor anguli oris
Correct answer: Zygomaticus major
The zygomaticus major retracts and elevates the corner of the mouth. It is responsible for the action of smiling.
Which of the following is a function of the buccinator muscle?
- A Opening the mandible
- B Compressing the cheeks
- C Elevating the upper lip
- D Closing the eyelids
Correct answer: Compressing the cheeks
The buccinator compresses the cheeks, helping with chewing and blowing. It keeps food positioned on the occlusal surfaces.
Which cranial nerve supplies the muscles of mastication?
- A Facial nerve (CN VII)
- B Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
- C Vagus nerve (CN X)
- D Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Correct answer: Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
The mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve innervates the muscles of mastication. These include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.
Where is the mental foramen located?
- A On the maxilla near the canine
- B On the mandible near the premolars
- C On the sphenoid bone
- D On the palatine bone
Correct answer: On the mandible near the premolars
The mental foramen lies on the anterior mandible near the premolars. It allows passage of the mental nerve and vessels.
Which structure forms the roof of the mouth?
- A Palate
- B Zygomatic arch
- C Mandible
- D Hyoid bone
Correct answer: Palate
The palate consists of hard and soft regions. It separates the oral and nasal cavities.
Which neck muscle is responsible for turning the head from side to side?
- A Masseter
- B Platysma
- C Sternocleidomastoid
- D Temporalis
Correct answer: Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid rotates and flexes the head. It is one of the major muscles of the neck.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is classified as what type of joint?
- A Fibrous joint
- B Hinge and gliding joint
- C Ball-and-socket joint
- D Saddle joint
Correct answer: Hinge and gliding joint
The TMJ allows both hinge and sliding movements. This makes chewing and speaking possible.
Which artery supplies blood to the brain?
- A Facial artery
- B Maxillary artery
- C Carotid artery
- D Lingual artery
Correct answer: Carotid artery
The carotid arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the brain. They are major vessels in the head and neck.
Which structure connects muscles to bones?
- A Ligaments
- B Tendons
- C Fascia
- D Synovial membrane
Correct answer: Tendons
Tendons attach muscles to bones, enabling movement. Ligaments, by contrast, connect bone to bone.