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

Which type of muscle is the biceps femoris considered to be?

1. Skeletal muscle

2. Cardiac muscle

3. Smooth muscle

4. Voluntary muscle

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

The biceps femoris is considered a type of skeletal muscle, which is essential for various movements and functions within the body. Skeletal muscles are characterized by their striated appearance and multi-nucleated cells, and they are directly involved in the voluntary movements of the body. The biceps femoris, part of the hamstring group located at the back of the thigh, plays a critical role in bending the knee and extending the hip. Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, meaning that a person can consciously decide to contract or relax these muscles, allowing for coordinated movements. This distinguishes it from cardiac and smooth muscle, which operate autonomously and are not under voluntary control. Understanding that the biceps femoris is skeletal muscle helps highlight its role in locomotion and posture, as it is crucial for activities like walking, running, and climbing. The fact that it is also voluntary reinforces the concept that we engage this muscle intentionally during physical activity.