Think you know your skull neck anatomy? Dive into our free Skull Neck Anatomy Quiz to test your head and neck knowledge and deepen your grasp of essential anatomy. Just a few minutes are all you need to uncover areas for improvement. In this engaging head and neck quiz, you'll tackle head and neck anatomy questions ranging from identifying cranial sutures to mapping cervical vertebrae in our neck anatomy quiz section. Plus, get hands-on with a muscles of the head and neck quiz , reinforcing both structure and function. Designed for students, medical pros, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone curious about human anatomy, this head and neck anatomy quiz offers instant feedback, a handy score breakdown, and a fun way to boost your confidence. Ready to challenge yourself and see how you score?
Which bone forms the forehead?
Frontal bone
Parietal bone
Occipital bone
Temporal bone
The frontal bone makes up the anterior part of the skull, forming the forehead and the roofs of the orbits. It articulates with the parietal bones at the coronal suture. This bone also contributes to the structure of the nasal cavity. For more detail, see InnerBody - Frontal Bone.
What is the largest bone of the face?
Mandible
Maxilla
Zygomatic bone
Nasal bone
The mandible, or lower jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone of the face. It holds the lower teeth and forms the chin. The mandible articulates with the temporal bones at the temporomandibular joints. Learn more at NCBI - Mandible Anatomy.
Which bone houses the external acoustic meatus (ear canal)?
Temporal bone
Sphenoid bone
Occipital bone
Parietal bone
The temporal bone contains the external acoustic meatus, which is the canal leading to the eardrum. It also hosts the mastoid process and the internal acoustic meatus for cranial nerves VII and VIII. More information can be found at Visible Body - Temporal Bone.
What is the movable bone that forms the lower jaw?
Mandible
Maxilla
Zygomatic bone
Vomer
The mandible is the only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw. It articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint. It houses the lower teeth in its alveolar process. See TeachMeAnatomy - Mandible.
Which bone is located at the base of the skull, posteriorly?
Occipital bone
Ethmoid bone
Sphenoid bone
Frontal bone
The occipital bone forms the posterior and inferior part of the cranium, including the foramen magnum. It articulates with the first cervical vertebra. The external occipital protuberance is a key landmark. More at InnerBody - Occipital Bone.
Which bone articulates with the atlas (C1) at the atlanto-occipital joint?
Occipital condyles of the occipital bone
Mastoid process of temporal bone
External occipital protuberance
Foramen magnum rim
The occipital condyles on the inferior surface of the occipital bone articulate with the superior articular facets of the atlas. This joint allows flexion and extension of the head. Details at Kenhub - Atlanto-Occipital Joint.
What is the suture between the frontal and parietal bones called?
Coronal suture
Sagittal suture
Lambdoid suture
Squamous suture
The coronal suture runs transversely between the frontal and parietal bones. It is one of the major cranial sutures that allow skull growth during development. More can be found at TeachMeAnatomy - Cranial Sutures.
Which foramen transmits the spinal cord from the cranial cavity to the vertebral canal?
Foramen magnum
Jugular foramen
Foramen ovale
Carotid canal
The foramen magnum is the large opening in the occipital bone that allows passage of the medulla oblongata into the spinal canal. It also transmits the vertebral arteries. More at InnerBody - Foramen Magnum.
Which bone contains the mastoid process behind the ear?
Temporal bone
Occipital bone
Parietal bone
Sphenoid bone
The mastoid process is a conical prominence on the inferior surface of the temporal bone. It serves as an attachment for neck muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid. More information at Visible Body - Mastoid Process.
Which depression on the lateral skull provides space for the temporalis muscle?
Temporal fossa
Infratemporal fossa
Pterygopalatine fossa
Zygomatic arch
The temporal fossa is a shallow depression on the lateral side of the skull above the zygomatic arch. It houses the temporalis muscle which elevates the mandible. Visit Kenhub - Temporal Fossa for more.
Which bone is commonly known as the cheekbone?
Zygomatic bone
Maxilla
Lacrimal bone
Nasal bone
The zygomatic bone articulates with the maxilla, temporal, frontal, and sphenoid bones to form the cheek prominence. It contributes to the lateral wall and floor of the orbit. More at TeachMeAnatomy - Zygomatic Bone.
What is the function of the hyoid bone?
Supports the tongue and mid-neck structures
Forms the lower jaw
Protects the brainstem
Houses the inner ear
The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone in the anterior neck that does not articulate directly with other bones. It supports the tongue and serves as an attachment point for suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. Learn more at NCBI - Hyoid Bone.
Which muscle rotates the head to the opposite side when contracted?
Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Splenius capitis
Scalenus anterior
The sternocleidomastoid on one side rotates the head to the opposite side and tilts it to the same side. It originates from the manubrium and clavicle and inserts on the mastoid process. More details at TeachMeAnatomy - SCM.
Which muscle flexes and laterally bends the neck?
Scalenus anterior
Splenius capitis
Levator scapulae
Sternohyoid
The anterior scalene arises from transverse processes of C3–C6 and inserts on the first rib, flexing and laterally bending the neck. It also elevates the first rib during forced inspiration. See Kenhub - Scalenus Anterior.
Which artery is the main blood supply to the anterior neck and brain?
Common carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Subclavian artery
External jugular vein
The common carotid artery ascends in the neck and bifurcates into external and internal carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery supplies the brain, while the external supplies face and scalp. More at Visible Body - Carotid Arteries.
Which cervical vertebra has a prominent spinous process known as the vertebra prominens?
C7
C1
C2
C3
The seventh cervical vertebra has the most prominent spinous process, easily palpable at the base of the neck. It is called the vertebra prominens. It serves as a landmark for counting vertebral levels. Read more at Kenhub - Cervical Vertebrae.
Which bone contributes to the formation of the zygomatic arch?
Maxilla and temporal bones
Zygomatic and frontal bones
Temporal and zygomatic bones
Sphenoid and maxilla bones
The zygomatic arch is formed by the zygomatic bone anteriorly and the temporal bone posteroinferiorly (zygomatic process of temporal bone). It provides the origin for the masseter muscle. See TeachMeAnatomy - Zygomatic Arch.
Through which foramen does the internal carotid artery enter the cranial cavity?
Foramen magnum
Carotid canal
Jugular foramen
Foramen ovale
The internal carotid artery ascends through the neck and enters the skull via the carotid canal in the petrous part of the temporal bone. It then supplies the brain. More at InnerBody - Carotid Canal.
Which bone forms the anterior part of the cranial floor and contains the sella turcica?
Ethmoid bone
Sphenoid bone
Frontal bone
Temporal bone
The body of the sphenoid bone contains the sella turcica, which houses the pituitary gland. The greater and lesser wings form part of the cranial floor. For more, see Kenhub - Sphenoid Bone.
Which cranial nerve exits the skull via the stylomastoid foramen?
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Accessory nerve (XI)
Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
The facial nerve exits the skull through the stylomastoid foramen located between the styloid and mastoid processes of the temporal bone. It innervates muscles of facial expression. More at TeachMeAnatomy - Facial Nerve.
Which venous sinus lies between the two layers of the dura mater at the midline of the brain?
Superior sagittal sinus
Cavernous sinus
Transverse sinus
Sigmoid sinus
The superior sagittal sinus runs along the attached margin of the falx cerebri between the periosteal and meningeal layers of dura. It drains blood from cerebral veins to the confluence of sinuses. Read more at Visible Body - Dural Venous Sinuses.
Which muscle elevates the hyoid bone during swallowing?
Mylohyoid
Thyrohyoid
Sternohyoid
Digastric (anterior belly)
The anterior belly of the digastric muscle elevates the hyoid bone when the mandible is fixed, aiding pushing the food during swallowing. It attaches to the digastric fossa of the mandible. More details at Kenhub - Digastric Muscle.
Which infrahyoid muscle depresses the hyoid after swallowing?
Omohyoid
Sternohyoid
Thyrohyoid
Sternothyroid
The sternohyoid muscle runs from the manubrium to the hyoid bone and depresses the hyoid after it has been elevated during swallowing. It is one of the four infrahyoid muscles. More information at TeachMeAnatomy - Infrahyoid Muscles.
What structure connects the mastoid process to the hyoid bone?
Stylohyoid ligament
Stylohyoid muscle
Sternocleidomastoid muscle
Omohyoid muscle
The stylohyoid muscle originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts on the body of the hyoid. It elevates and retracts the hyoid during swallowing. See Visible Body - Stylohyoid Muscle.
Which cervical vertebra supports the skull allowing nodding motion?
Atlas (C1)
Axis (C2)
C3
Occiput
The atlas (C1) is a ring-shaped vertebra that supports the skull, allowing the head to nod up and down at the atlanto-occipital joint. It lacks a vertebral body. Details at Kenhub - Atlas Vertebra.
Which ligament runs from the external occipital protuberance to the spinous process of C7?
Nuchal ligament
Ligamentum flavum
Supraspinous ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
The nuchal ligament extends from the external occipital protuberance and median nuchal line to the spinous process of C7, supporting the head. It is a continuation of the supraspinous ligament. More at TeachMeAnatomy - Nuchal Ligament.
Which bone contains the cribriform plate for olfactory nerve fibers?
Ethmoid bone
Sphenoid bone
Frontal bone
Temporal bone
The cribriform plate is part of the ethmoid bone and contains multiple foramina for passage of olfactory nerve filaments from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulbs. It forms the roof of the nasal cavity. Learn more at InnerBody - Ethmoid Bone.
Which foramen transmits the greater petrosal branch of the facial nerve?
Stylomastoid foramen
Foramen lacerum
Jugular foramen
Foramen ovale
The greater petrosal nerve passes through the hiatus and groove on the petrous part of the temporal bone, ultimately traversing the foramen lacerum to enter the pterygoid canal. It carries parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal gland. Details at Kenhub - Greater Petrosal Nerve.
Which muscle protrudes the tongue?
Styloglossus
Hyoglossus
Genioglossus
Palatoglossus
The genioglossus muscle originates from the mental spine of the mandible and inserts into the tongue and hyoid, protruding the tongue when bilaterally contracted. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve. More at TeachMeAnatomy - Genioglossus.
Which artery passes through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae?
Common carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Internal jugular vein
Subclavian artery
The vertebral artery ascends through the transverse foramina of C6 to C1 vertebrae before entering the foramen magnum. It supplies the posterior brain. See InnerBody - Vertebral Artery.
What is the name of the space between the skull base and the atlas?
Craniovertebral junction
Foramen magnum
Occipital condyle fossa
Nuchal space
The craniovertebral junction refers to the articulation between the occipital bone of the skull and the atlas and axis of the cervical spine. It allows nodding and rotation of the head. Learn more at NCBI - Craniovertebral Junction.
Which ligament prevents excessive flexion of the neck?
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Ligamentum flavum
Nuchal ligament
Transverse ligament of atlas
The nuchal ligament resists hyperflexion of the neck and provides an attachment for posterior neck muscles. It is a triangular fibrous septum extending from the skull to C7. More details at TeachMeAnatomy - Nuchal Ligament.
Which bone feature serves as the passage for the optic nerve (CN II)?
Optic canal
Superior orbital fissure
Foramen rotundum
Cribriform plate
The optic canal is an opening in the sphenoid bone that transmits the optic nerve (CN II) and ophthalmic artery. It lies medial to the superior orbital fissure. More at Kenhub - Optic Canal.
Which muscle is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)?
Stylopharyngeus
Palatoglossus
Salpingopharyngeus
Superior pharyngeal constrictor
The stylopharyngeus muscle is the only pharyngeal muscle innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). It elevates the pharynx and larynx during swallowing. For details, see TeachMeAnatomy - Stylopharyngeus.
In which segment does the vertebral artery cross the posterior arch of C1?
V2 segment
V3 segment
V1 segment
V4 segment
The V3 segment of the vertebral artery extends from C2 to the foramen magnum and includes the portion that curves over the posterior arch of C1. This segment is vulnerable during neck rotation. More at Radiopaedia - Vertebral Artery.
Which muscle forms the muscular floor of the oral cavity?
Mylohyoid
Digastric
Geniohyoid
Stylohyoid
The mylohyoid muscle forms a muscular diaphragm that constitutes the floor of the mouth. It elevates the hyoid and floor during swallowing. Learn more at InnerBody - Mylohyoid Muscle.
What is the bony landmark for the attachment of the stylohyoid ligament?
Styloid process of temporal bone
Mastoid notch
External auditory meatus
Zygomatic process
The stylohyoid ligament extends from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the lesser horn of the hyoid. It is a remnant of Reichert’s cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch. More at Visible Body - Styloid Process.
Which venous sinus drains directly into the internal jugular vein?
Superior sagittal sinus
Transverse sinus
Sigmoid sinus
Cavernous sinus
The sigmoid sinus is the continuation of the transverse sinus that curves around the temporal bone and drains into the internal jugular vein through the jugular foramen. More details at Kenhub - Sigmoid Sinus.
Which cranial foramen is closed by cartilage in life and typically transmits no structure?
Foramen lacerum
Foramen ovale
Foramen spinosum
Foramen rotundum
The foramen lacerum is largely filled with fibrocartilage in life and does not transmit major neurovascular structures. Some small emissary veins and cartilage fill it. More at TeachMeAnatomy - Skull Foramina.
Which muscle forms the anterior boundary of the posterior triangle of the neck?
Sternocleidomastoid
Trapezius
Omohyoid
Levator scapulae
The posterior triangle of the neck is bounded anteriorly by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Posteriorly it is bounded by the anterior border of the trapezius. Details at Visible Body - Neck Triangles.
What is the opening through which the mastoid emissary vein passes?
Mastoid foramen
Condylar canal
Jugular foramen
External auditory meatus
The mastoid foramen is located near the mastoid process of the temporal bone and transmits the mastoid emissary vein connecting sigmoid sinus to the superficial veins. More at Radiopaedia - Mastoid Foramen.
Which cranial bone develops primarily by intramembranous ossification?
Parietal bone
Sphenoid bone
Temporal bone
Ethmoid bone
The parietal bones form via intramembranous ossification from mesenchymal membranes, typical of most flat bones of the skull. Endochondral ossification forms bones like the sphenoid. Learn more at NCBI - Cranial Ossification.
Which muscle is bilateral in forming the pharyngeal raphe at the midline?
Superior pharyngeal constrictor
Stylopharyngeus
Middle pharyngeal constrictor
Palatopharyngeus
The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscles on each side meet at the pharyngeal raphe in the posterior midline, constricting the upper pharynx during swallowing. More information at TeachMeAnatomy - Pharyngeal Constrictors.
Which artery supplies the posterior scalp via its occipital branch?
External carotid artery
Internal carotid artery
Vertebral artery
Maxillary artery
The occipital artery is a branch of the external carotid artery that ascends to supply the posterior scalp and posterior neck muscles. It travels deep to the sternocleidomastoid. More at Kenhub - Occipital Artery.
Which membrane subdivides the cranial dura mater into periosteal and meningeal layers?
Falx cerebri
Tentorium cerebelli
Falx cerebelli
Diaphragma sellae
The falx cerebri is a sickle-shaped fold of dura mater that separates the two cerebral hemispheres and divides the dural layers. It attaches to the crista galli anteriorly and the internal occipital protuberance posteriorly. More at InnerBody - Falx Cerebri.
Which congenital anomaly results from failure of the anterior and posterior fontanelles to close properly?
Craniosynostosis
Hydrocephalus
Persistent sutures (open fontanelles)
Microcephaly
Persistent open fontanelles occur when the membranous gaps between cranial bones fail to ossify after birth. This can indicate underlying metabolic or genetic conditions. For more, see NCBI - Fontanelle Closure.
Which path does the abducens nerve (CN VI) take through the skull base?
Superior orbital fissure
Foramen ovale
Jugular foramen
Internal acoustic meatus
The abducens nerve exits the brainstem, ascends the clivus, pierces the dura at Dorello’s canal, and enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure to innervate the lateral rectus. Learn more at Kenhub - Abducens Nerve.
Which structure forms the attachment site for the cruciform ligament?
Clivus
Internal occipital protuberance
Anterior arch of atlas
Foramen magnum rim
The cruciform ligament consists of a transverse ligament and longitudinal bands attaching to the anterior arch of the atlas and the clivus. It stabilizes the odontoid process of the axis. More at Radiopaedia - Cruciform Ligament.
Which muscle originates from the posterior nasal spine and contributes to the soft palate?
Tensor veli palatini
Levator veli palatini
Palatopharyngeus
Palatoglossus
The palatopharyngeus muscle originates from the posterior border of the hard palate and palatine aponeurosis, extending to the pharynx and thyroid cartilage. It elevates the pharynx and larynx during swallowing. Details at TeachMeAnatomy - Palatopharyngeus.
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Study Outcomes
Identify Key Skull Landmarks -
After completing the quiz, you will recognize critical skull features - like the pituitary fossa and coronoid process - based on their anatomical definitions and locations.
Differentiate Major Head and Neck Muscles -
You will be able to distinguish among primary muscle groups of the head and neck, such as the masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius, by name and function.
Locate Muscle Attachment Sites -
You will understand the specific bony landmarks where head and neck muscles attach, enhancing your ability to map musculature in clinical and academic contexts.
Interpret Anatomical Terminology -
You will comprehend and apply specialized terms related to skull neck anatomy, enabling precise identification of structures in both written and practical assessments.
Apply Knowledge to Scored Questions -
You will sharpen your recall and confidence by accurately answering head and neck anatomy questions under quiz conditions, preparing you for exams or practical evaluations.
Cheat Sheet
Skull Landmarks and Sella Turcica -
Review the skull neck anatomy by identifying the sella turcica - also called the pituitary fossa on the sphenoid bone - which securely houses the pituitary gland. This landmark is pivotal for head and neck anatomy questions and shows up often in any head and neck quiz. Visualizing it on a lateral skull radiograph boosts your recall for both academic exams and a neck anatomy quiz.
Coronoid Process and Mandibular Mechanics -
The coronoid process of the mandible serves as the attachment site for the temporalis muscle, acting as a lever arm for jaw elevation. Remember the phrase "Chew on your crown" to link coronoid with chewing power in a muscles of the head and neck quiz. Identifying this bony projection on models or CT slices cements your understanding of mandibular anatomy.
Muscles of Mastication vs. Facial Expression -
Differentiate mastication muscles (masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids) from facial expression muscles by their innervation: trigeminal nerve for chewing and the facial nerve for expressions. A handy mnemonic is "My Mother Makes Lousy Food" to remember masseter, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid. This tip will elevate your performance on any head and neck quiz.
Key Neck Muscles: SCM and Trapezius -
Master the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and trapezius by mapping their origins, insertions, and actions - SCM flexes and rotates the head, while trapezius elevates the scapula and extends the neck. Test yourself in a neck anatomy quiz by tracing SCM from the manubrium and clavicle to the mastoid process. Clinically, resisting head rotation against your hand helps you remember SCM function and nerve supply (accessory nerve XI).
Cranial Nerve Foramina and Functions -
Memorize the exit points of cranial nerves through skull foramina using "On Old Olympus's Towering Top, A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops." This classic mnemonic links each nerve to its foramen and function for targeted head and neck anatomy questions. Practicing identification on dry skulls or imaging refines your spatial awareness for both quizzes and practical exams.
