PSI Barbering Practice Exam

Which muscle helps extend the arm away from the body?

1. Deltoid

2. Pectoralis major

3. Latissimus dorsi

4. Trapezius

The correct answer is: Latissimus dorsi

The muscle that primarily assists with extending the arm away from the body is the deltoid muscle. Specifically, the posterior part of the deltoid is responsible for this movement. The deltoid is a large, triangular muscle that covers the shoulder and plays a key role in arm abduction, flexion, and extension. The pectoralis major mainly contributes to flexing and adducting the arm, bringing it closer to the body, rather than extending it away. The latissimus dorsi does help in extending the arm, but it primarily pulls the arm down and backward rather than moving it directly away from the body. The trapezius is involved in moving the shoulder and raising the arm but is not the primary muscle for extending the arm away from the torso. Overall, understanding the function of these muscles and their roles in body movements is essential in both clinical practice and fitness training, ensuring proper techniques and minimizing the risk of injury.