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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Take the Muscles of the Trunk Quiz

Ready to identify labeled muscles of the trunk? Let's get started!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Cut paper art trunk muscle diagram with labels on teal background for anatomy quiz

Ready to test your knowledge and boost your anatomy skills? Dive into our muscles of the trunk quiz designed for students, fitness pros, and anatomy buffs who want to identify trunk muscles with confidence. In this trunk muscle anatomy quiz, you'll label key core muscles - from the abdominal muscles quiz to the posterior trunk muscles - and master the labeled muscles of the trunk. Perfect for anyone seeking a challenging yet rewarding muscle identification test, this trunk muscles labels test reveals where each muscle sits. Are you ready to accept the challenge? Start now and conquer your muscle ID quiz!

Which muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the vertebral column and compressing abdominal contents?
Rectus abdominis
External oblique
Internal oblique
Latissimus dorsi
The rectus abdominis is a paired longitudinal muscle that flexes the spine by pulling the rib cage towards the pelvis and also increases intra-abdominal pressure for functions like defecation. More on Rectus Abdominis
Which muscle originates from the lower eight ribs and inserts on the linea alba and iliac crest?
External oblique
Internal oblique
Transversus abdominis
Serratus posterior inferior
The external oblique originates on ribs 5–12 and inserts on the iliac crest and linea alba. Its fibers run inferomedially like putting hands in pockets. External Oblique Anatomy
Which muscle runs horizontally around the abdomen, acting like a corset?
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis
Internal oblique
External oblique
The transversus abdominis has horizontal fibers that wrap around the abdomen, compressing contents and stabilizing the lumbar spine. Transversus Abdominis Details
Which muscle group is located along the length of the vertebral column and helps extend the spine?
Erector spinae
Multifidus
Intertransversarii
Quadratus lumborum
The erector spinae comprises iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis, extending the vertebral column and maintaining posture. Erector Spinae Overview
Which muscle originates from the iliac fossa and inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur, aiding hip flexion?
Iliacus
Psoas major
Rectus femoris
Sartorius
The iliacus fills the iliac fossa and joins the psoas major to form the iliopsoas, the primary hip flexor. Iliacus Muscle Info
Which dome-shaped muscle separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and is the primary muscle of respiration?
Diaphragm
External intercostals
Internal oblique
Transversus thoracis
The diaphragm contracts to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs, and its central tendon and muscular periphery attach to ribs and lumbar vertebrae. Diaphragm Function
Which muscle attaches to the 12th rib and the transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae, aiding lateral flexion?
Quadratus lumborum
Levator costarum
Serratus posterior superior
Intertransversarii
Quadratus lumborum spans from the iliac crest to the 12th rib and transverse processes of L1–L4, assisting in lateral trunk flexion and stabilizing the 12th rib. Quadratus Lumborum Anatomy
Which muscle originates from the spinous processes of T11–L2 and inserts on ribs, assisting forced expiration?
Serratus posterior inferior
Serratus posterior superior
External oblique
Internal oblique
Serratus posterior inferior arises from T11–L2 spinous processes and depresses ribs 9–12 during forced expiration. Serratus Posterior Inferior
Which muscle originates from the spinous processes of C7–T3 and inserts on the ribs, assisting forced inspiration?
Serratus posterior superior
Serratus posterior inferior
External oblique
Trapezius
Serratus posterior superior arises from C7–T3 and elevates ribs 2–5 to help deepen inspiration. Respiratory Muscle Roles
Which muscle is a deep back muscle that spans three segments and contributes to fine extension and stabilization of the vertebrae?
Multifidus
Erector spinae
Interspinales
Rotatores
Multifidus spans two to four vertebral segments and provides segmental stability and extension of the vertebral column. Multifidus Function
Which muscle originates from the pubic crest and symphysis and inserts on the cartilage of ribs 5–7?
Rectus abdominis
Pyramidalis
Transversus abdominis
External oblique
Rectus abdominis has tendinous intersections and runs from the pubic crest to xiphoid and costal cartilages of ribs 5–7. Rectus Abdominis Anatomy
Which muscle forms the lateral wall of the inguinal canal and helps flex and rotate the trunk?
Internal oblique
External oblique
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis
Internal oblique fibers run superomedially, supporting the inguinal canal floor and aiding in trunk flexion and rotation. Internal Oblique Details
Which muscle group includes the spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis?
Erector spinae
Multifidus
Rotatores
Intertransversarii
The erector spinae is subdivided into spinalis (closest to spine), longissimus, and iliocostalis (most lateral). Erector Spinae Anatomy
Which muscle rotates the trunk to the opposite side when contracted unilaterally?
External oblique
Internal oblique
Rectus abdominis
Latissimus dorsi
External oblique fibers run inferomedially; when one side contracts, it rotates the vertebral column to the opposite side. External Oblique Function
Which muscle rotates the trunk to the same side when contracted unilaterally?
Internal oblique
External oblique
Rectus abdominis
Transversus abdominis
Internal oblique fibers run superomedially; unilateral contraction pulls the trunk toward the same side. Internal Oblique Role
Which muscle elevates the ribs to increase thoracic volume during inspiration?
Serratus posterior superior
Serratus posterior inferior
Diaphragm
External intercostals
Serratus posterior superior elevates ribs 2–5 during forced inspiration. The diaphragm is primary, but this assists. Serratus Posterior Superior
Which muscle depresses the ribs during forced expiration?
Serratus posterior inferior
Serratus posterior superior
Internal intercostals
Quadratus lumborum
Serratus posterior inferior pulls ribs 9–12 downward during forced expiration. Serratus Posterior Inferior
Which muscle prevents lateral tilting of the pelvis during single-leg stance?
Quadratus lumborum
Gluteus medius
Erector spinae
Internal oblique
Quadratus lumborum on the weight-bearing side elevates the pelvis to keep it level when standing on one leg. QL Function
Which muscle flexes the hip and also flexes the trunk when the femur is fixed?
Psoas major
Iliacus
Rectus femoris
Sartorius
Psoas major originates from T12–L5 vertebrae and flexes the hip; if the femur is fixed, it draws the trunk toward the thigh. Psoas Major Anatomy
Which muscle is innervated by the subcostal nerve (T12)?
Quadratus lumborum
Rectus abdominis
Serratus anterior
Diaphragm
Quadratus lumborum receives innervation from the subcostal nerve (T12) and branches of L1–L4. QL Innervation
Which muscle is innervated by the thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–T11)?
Rectus abdominis
Erector spinae
Serratus posterior superior
Latissimus dorsi
Rectus abdominis is supplied by the lower thoracoabdominal nerves, continuations of the intercostal nerves T7–T11. Rectus Abdominis Innervation
Which muscle forms part of the posterior abdominal wall but does not act on the spine?
Psoas major
Erector spinae
Quadratus lumborum
Multifidus
Psoas major sits on the posterior abdominal wall and flexes the hip; it doesn't extend or stabilize the vertebral column like the others. Psoas Major Role
Which muscle's tendon contributes to the anterior layer of the rectus sheath above the arcuate line?
External oblique
Internal oblique
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis
Above the arcuate line, the external oblique aponeurosis, together with half of the internal oblique, forms the anterior rectus sheath. Rectus Sheath Anatomy
Which muscle's lower fibers attach to the anterior superior iliac spine and pubic tubercle forming the inguinal ligament?
External oblique
Internal oblique
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis
The external oblique aponeurosis folds under itself to form the inguinal ligament between ASIS and pubic tubercle. Inguinal Ligament Formation
Which pair of muscles compose the conjoined tendon?
Internal oblique and transversus abdominis
External and internal oblique
Rectus abdominis and pyramidalis
Transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis
The conjoined tendon is formed by the fusion of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis aponeuroses, reinforcing the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. Conjoint Tendon Insight
Which muscle creates the tendinous intersections on the anterior abdominal wall?
Rectus abdominis
External oblique
Internal oblique
Transversus abdominis
Tendinous intersections are horizontal fibrous bands in the rectus abdominis that subdivide it and give the 'six-pack' appearance. Tendinous Intersections
Which muscle attaches to the costal cartilages of ribs 7–12, the iliac crest, and thoracolumbar fascia?
Transversus abdominis
External oblique
Internal oblique
Latissimus dorsi
Transversus abdominis originates from the internal surfaces of costal cartilages 7–12, the iliac crest, and thoracolumbar fascia, compressing the abdominal contents. Transversus Abdominis Origins
Which nerve innervates the erector spinae muscles?
Dorsal rami of spinal nerves
Ventral rami of spinal nerves
Thoracoabdominal nerves
Subcostal nerve
The erector spinae group is innervated by the dorsal (posterior) rami of the spinal nerves at each level. Back Muscle Innervation
Which nerve innervates the quadratus lumborum?
Subcostal nerve and L1–L3 ventral rami
Thoracoabdominal nerves
Dorsal rami
Femoral nerve
Quadratus lumborum is supplied by the subcostal nerve (T12) and the ventral rami of L1–L3. QL Innervation
Which nerve innervates the transversus abdominis muscle?
Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–T11) and first lumbar
Dorsal rami
Subcostal nerve alone
Iliohypogastric only
Transversus abdominis receives innervation from thoracoabdominal nerves (continuation of intercostals T7–T11) and the first lumbar nerve via iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal. Nerve Supply
Which nerve supplies the external oblique muscle?
Thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–T11)
Iliohypogastric only
Dorsal rami
Subcostal only
External oblique is innervated by thoracoabdominal nerves (T7–T11) and the subcostal nerve (T12). External Oblique Innervation
Which nerve provides motor innervation to the diaphragm?
Phrenic nerve (C3–C5)
Intercostal nerves
Vagus nerve
Accessory nerve
The phrenic nerve, arising from C3–C5, is the sole motor supply to the diaphragm. Phrenic Nerve Anatomy
Which artery supplies the superior portion of the rectus abdominis?
Superior epigastric artery
Inferior epigastric artery
Deep circumflex iliac artery
Lumbar arteries
The superior epigastric artery, a terminal branch of the internal thoracic artery, enters the rectus sheath above the arcuate line to supply the upper rectus abdominis. Abdominal Vascular Supply
Which artery supplies the inferior portion of the rectus abdominis?
Inferior epigastric artery
Superior epigastric artery
Deep circumflex iliac artery
Lumbar arteries
The inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery and supplies the lower half of the rectus abdominis via the posterior surface of the sheath. Inferior Epigastric Artery
Which muscle forms the lateral border of the lumbar triangle of Petit?
Internal oblique
External oblique
Latissimus dorsi
Serratus posterior inferior
Petit’s triangle is bounded by the latissimus dorsi (posterior), inguinal ligament (inferior), and internal oblique (lateral). Weakness here can lead to hernia. Lumbar Triangle Anatomy
Which anatomical landmark is formed by the inguinal ligament and the lateral border of the rectus abdominis?
Hesselbach’s triangle
Femoral triangle
Lumbar triangle
Triangle of auscultation
Hesselbach’s (inguinal) triangle is bounded by the inguinal ligament, lateral border of rectus sheath, and inferior epigastric vessels; a common site for direct hernias. Inguinal Region
Which muscle's origin includes the thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and sacrum?
Erector spinae
Latissimus dorsi
Internal oblique
Quadratus lumborum
The erector spinae originate from a broad area including the sacrum, iliac crest, and thoracolumbar fascia to power spine extension. Erector Spinae Origins
Which muscle interdigitates with the diaphragm at its costal attachment?
Transversus abdominis
External oblique
Internal oblique
Latissimus dorsi
The transversus abdominis fibers interdigitate with the diaphragm’s costal slips, contributing to the thoracoabdominal interface. Anatomy Literature
Which muscle’s fascicles ascend from a transverse process to the spinous process above and rotate the spine to the opposite side?
Rotatores
Multifidus
Interspinales
Intertransversarii
Rotatores span one to two segments, originating on a transverse process and inserting on the lamina/spinous process above to aid rotation and proprioception. Rotatores Overview
Which muscle group is innervated by posterior branches of lumbar nerves?
Erector spinae
Quadratus lumborum
Rectus abdominis
Internal oblique
Erector spinae muscles are supplied segmentally by posterior rami of the spinal nerves at lumbar levels, controlling extension and posture. Lumbar Innervation
Where is the arcuate line located in relation to the umbilicus and pubic symphysis?
About halfway between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis
At the level of the umbilicus
At the level of the anterior superior iliac spine
At the pubic crest
The arcuate line is located roughly midway between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis, marking where the posterior rectus sheath ends. Arcuate Line Anatomy
Which ligament is formed by the lower border of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis aponeuroses?
Conjoint tendon
Inguinal ligament
Lacunar ligament
Inguinal falx
The conjoint (inguinal falx) tendon is formed by the combined aponeuroses of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis, reinforcing the medial inguinal canal. Conjoint Tendon Details
Damage to which muscle can contribute to a lumbar hernia through the triangle of Petit?
Internal oblique weakness
External oblique weakness
Transversus abdominis weakness
Rectus abdominis weakness
The lumbar triangle of Petit is bordered by the latissimus dorsi, external oblique, and iliac crest; a weak internal oblique border allows herniation. Petit’s Triangle
In a patient with hyperlordosis, which muscle is often lengthened and weakened?
Rectus abdominis
Quadratus lumborum
Erector spinae
Transversus abdominis
Hyperlordosis often involves an anterior pelvic tilt stretching and weakening the rectus abdominis while overactive extensors pull the lumbar spine. Hyperlordosis Mechanics
Which trunk muscle’s embryological origin is the lateral plate (hypo)mesoderm?
Transversus abdominis
Erector spinae
Multifidus
Intertransversarii
Body wall muscles, including transversus abdominis, derive from the lateral plate mesoderm (hypomere), whereas intrinsic back muscles come from the epaxial region. Embryology Reference
Which muscle helps stabilize the sacroiliac joint by tensioning the thoracolumbar fascia?
Latissimus dorsi
Internal oblique
Quadratus lumborum
Internal intercostal
Latissimus dorsi fibers blend with the thoracolumbar fascia, tensioning it and adding stability to the sacroiliac joint during upper limb and trunk movements. Thoracolumbar Fascia
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Major Trunk Muscles -

    Recognize and name the primary muscles of the trunk, from the rectus abdominis to the latissimus dorsi, using clear anatomical landmarks.

  2. Differentiate Superficial and Deep Muscles -

    Distinguish between superficial and deep layers of trunk muscle anatomy, understanding their relative depth and structural relationships.

  3. Locate Labeled Muscles of the Trunk -

    Accurately pinpoint each muscle on labeled diagrams, reinforcing your ability to identify trunk muscles in various cross”sectional views.

  4. Explain Functional Roles -

    Describe how each trunk muscle contributes to posture, stability, and movement, linking anatomy to physiological function.

  5. Apply Anatomical Terminology -

    Use correct anatomical terms when naming and describing trunk muscles, enhancing precision in your trunk muscle anatomy quiz responses.

  6. Evaluate Your Identification Skills -

    Test and track your progress using the trunk muscles labels test, boosting your confidence and retention through interactive practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Superficial vs. Deep Trunk Muscle Layers -

    Understanding the distinction between superficial and deep layers is key for any muscles of the trunk quiz. Superficial muscles like the rectus abdominis and erector spinae control gross movements, whereas deep muscles like the transversus abdominis and multifidus provide intrinsic stabilisation (Gray's Anatomy Online). Use this layering concept to boost confidence when you identify trunk muscles in any trunk muscles labels test.

  2. Rectus Abdominis and Tendinous Intersections -

    The rectus abdominis consists of strap-like fibers segmented by tendinous intersections, forming the classic "six-pack." Originating on the pubic crest and inserting at the xiphoid process, it flexes the vertebral column and tenses the anterior abdominal wall (University of Michigan Anatomy). Remember "Pubic-to-Xiphoid" to pinpoint its attachments on your trunk muscle anatomy quiz.

  3. External and Internal Oblique Fiber Orientation -

    The external oblique fibers run inferomedially ("hands in pockets"), while internal oblique fibers run superomedially ("reverse pockets"). This mnemonic helps you quickly identify labeled muscles of the trunk on diagrams and in practical assessments (Kenhub). Knowing these directional cues ensures accuracy when you practice the trunk muscles labels test.

  4. Transversus Abdominis: Core Stabilizer -

    As the deepest abdominal layer, the transversus abdominis acts like a corset to stabilize the lumbar spine during movement (Hodges & Richardson, Journal of Electromyography). Practice the "draw-in" maneuver by gently pulling your belly button toward the spine to feel its engagement. Mastering this muscle enhances your performance on any trunk muscle anatomy quiz.

  5. Erector Spinae Group Mnemonic -

    The erector spinae comprises Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis, often remembered by "I Love Spines." These muscles run longitudinally along the vertebral column, extending and laterally flexing the spine (Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy). Use this simple mnemonic when you identify trunk muscles in the muscles of the trunk quiz to boost recall under pressure.

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