PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Stapedius Muscle
Explanation
The stapedius is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. At just over one millimeter in length, it is located in the middle ear. Its purpose is to stabilize the smallest bone in the body, the stapes. It dampens the vibrations of the stapes in response to loud sounds, thereby protecting the inner ear from noise-induced damage.
Key Points
- > The stapedius is the smallest muscle in the human body.
- > It is located in the middle ear.
- > It attaches to the stapes bone, which is the smallest bone in the human body.
- > The longest muscle in the human body is the Sartorius, located in the thigh.
- > The largest muscle in the human body is the Gluteus Maximus, located in the buttocks.
- > There are roughly 639 skeletal muscles in the human body.
- > Accumulation of lactic acid causes muscle fatigue.
Additional Information
Important Muscles in the Human Body
| Muscle Name | Location | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Stapedius | Middle Ear | Smallest muscle |
| Sartorius | Thigh | Longest muscle |
| Gluteus Maximus | Buttocks | Largest muscle |
| Masseter | Jaw | Strongest muscle (based on weight) |
Memory Tips
- Ear Pair: The smallest bone (Stapes) and the smallest muscle (Stapedius) go together in the middle ear.
- Longest vs Largest: Do not confuse 'longest' (Sartorius - runs down the leg) with 'largest' (Gluteus Maximus - mass in the buttocks).