Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is another name for an extraocular muscle that acts as a contralateral synergist?

1. Agonist muscle

2. Yoke muscle

3. Antagonist muscle

4. Prime mover

The correct answer is: Yoke muscle

The term "yoke muscle" refers specifically to an extraocular muscle that works in coordination with a muscle of the opposite eye to produce movements that require both eyes to work together. This coordination is crucial in maintaining binocular vision and ensuring that both eyes move in a harmonious manner during eye movements such as adduction or abduction. In the context of extraocular muscles, a contralateral synergist is one that works with its counterpart in the opposite eye to achieve the desired movement. For example, when one eye looks to the right, the right lateral rectus muscle contracts while the left medial rectus muscle (a contralateral yoke muscle) contracts simultaneously to move the left eye to the right as well. This cooperation allows for smooth and coordinated tracking of objects, which is essential for depth perception and spatial orientation. In contrast, other terms provided describe different types of muscle relationships or functions. An agonist muscle is the primary muscle responsible for a specific movement, while an antagonist muscle opposes the action of the agonist. The term "prime mover" is often used interchangeably with agonist and refers to the muscle that plays the largest role in a specific movement. However, neither agonist nor prime mover directly relates to the concept of y