Antagonistic muscle pairs Flashcards
What is an antagonistic muscle pair ?
When one muscle contracts and the other relaxes. The muscle that contracts is called the agonist and the muscle that relaxes is called the antagonist.
How do the biceps and triceps work together?
When we bend the elbow (flexion) the biceps contract and the triceps relax.
Agonist = biceps
Antagonist = triceps
When we straighten the elbow (extension) the triceps contract and the biceps relax.
Agonist = triceps
Antagonist = biceps
What muscle is paired with quadriceps?
Hamstrings
What muscle is paired with Gluteals?
Hip flexors
What muscle is paired with Gastrocnemius ?
Tibialis Anterior
What muscle is paired with a wrist flexor?
Wrist Extensors
What muscle is paired with pronators?
supernators
What muscle are the abdominals in an antagonistic pair with?
Erector Spinae
What are synergists?
Muscles that work together to enable the agonist to operate more effectively. They work with agonists to control and direct movement by modifying or altering the direction of the pull on the agonist to the most advantageous position.
What is an example of a synergist?
The soleus acts as a synergist to the gastrocnemius during plantar flexion of the ankle.
The latissimus dorsi acts as a synergist to the pectorals.
What are fixators, what is their purpose?
Muscles that stop any unwanted movement throughout the body by stabilising the joints involved.
Fixators muscles stabilise the origin so the agonist can achieve maximum and effective contraction.
What is the origin?
The fixer end of the muscle that remains stationary when it contracts
What is the insertion?
The end of the muscle that moves when it contracts. The insertion normally crosses over a joint to allow movement when the muscle shortens.
