Question

multiple choice question

a muscle is described as having an indirect attachment if which of the following statements is true?

• the muscle ends in a tendon and the tendon attaches to the bone.
• the muscle fibers are attached to the bone by short collagen fibers.
• the muscle attaches to soft tissue (such as skin) instead of bone.
• the muscle tissue emerges directly from the bone.

Explanation:

Define indirect muscle attachment

Using the Muscle Attachment knowledge point
An indirect attachment occurs when the muscle epimysium extends past the muscular tissue as a visible, distinct fibrous band or sheet that connects to the bone.

Analyze the options

• The muscle ends in a tendon and the tendon attaches to the bone: This describes a classic indirect attachment, where the fibrous connective tissue forms a distinct tendon bridging the muscle belly to the bone.
• The muscle fibers are attached to the bone by short collagen fibers: This describes a direct (fleshy) attachment, where the gap is so small that the muscle appears to emerge directly from the bone.
• The muscle attaches to soft tissue (such as skin) instead of bone: This describes attachments to fascia or skin (such as facial muscles), not the definition of an indirect skeletal attachment.
• The muscle tissue emerges directly from the bone: This describes a direct attachment.

Answer:

• (A) The muscle ends in a tendon and the tendon attaches to the bone. (Correct answer)
• (B) The muscle fibers are attached to the bone by short collagen fibers.
• (C) The muscle attaches to soft tissue (such as skin) instead of bone.
• (D) The muscle tissue emerges directly from the bone.