Smallest muscle in the human body is

Options

A. stapes
B. sartorius
C. stapedius
D. spinal muscle

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks for the smallest muscle in the human body.

2. **Review the Options**: The options provided are:
- Stapes
- Sartorius
- Stapedius
- Spina muscle

3. **Recall Muscle Information**:
- The **stapes** is not a muscle; it is the smallest bone in the human body located in the middle ear.
- The **sartorius** is a long muscle in the thigh, known as the longest muscle in the body, not the smallest.
- The **stapedius** is a small muscle located in the middle ear.
- The **spina muscle** is not a commonly recognized muscle in human anatomy.

4. **Identify the Correct Answer**: The stapedius muscle is known to be the smallest muscle in the human body. It is located in the middle ear and is responsible for protecting the inner ear from loud sounds by contracting.

5. **Explain the Function**: The stapedius muscle contracts in response to loud sounds, which helps to prevent damage to the inner ear and protects the receptor cells from direct vibrations caused by these sounds.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the smallest muscle in the human body is the **stapedius** muscle.

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