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

Does the occipitalis attach to the modiolus?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in older adults

4. It varies among individuals

The correct answer is: No

The occipitalis muscle, which is located at the back of the head, primarily functions to draw the scalp backward and is part of the epicranial muscle group. It does not attach to the modiolus, which is a fibromuscular structure at the corner of the mouth that serves as an anchor for facial muscles, particularly those involved in expressions and movements around the mouth. In contrast, the muscles that do attach to the modiolus include various facial muscles such as the zygomaticus major and minor, the buccinator, and the orbicularis oris, which are essential for facial expressions and oral movements. Since the occipitalis is not involved in these functions and is distant from the facial region, it does not have any attachment to the modiolus, affirming that the correct answer is that the occipitalis does not attach to it.