College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Does the depressor anguli oris attach to the modiolus?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only when frowning

4. Only in certain populations

The correct answer is: Yes

The depressor anguli oris muscle does indeed attach to the modiolus, which is a fibromuscular structure at the corner of the mouth. This attachment is significant because the modiolus acts as a critical point where several muscles of facial expression converge, influencing various movements of the mouth, such as smiling or frowning. The connection allows the depressor anguli oris to effectively pull down the corners of the mouth, contributing to expressions of sadness or discontent. The other options suggest variations or constraints regarding this attachment, which are not accurate in this context. The depressor anguli oris consistently connects to the modiolus, regardless of emotional expression or demographic features. Thus, recognizing the anatomy and functional role of this muscle supports the understanding of facial dynamics and expressions in both clinical and practical applications in massage therapy and related fields.