Antagonistic pairs

Question 1

In the body muscles work in what and what are they called?

Answer 1

In the body muscles work in PAIRS. These are called antagonistic pairs and operate with antagonistic muscle action.

Question 2

When the muscle is contracting, what is it called?

Answer 2

When the muscle is contracting it is the AGONIST. It is the working muscle that produces or controls the desired joint movement.

Question 3

When the muscle is relaxing, what is it?

Answer 3

the antagonist.

Question 4

Agonist

Answer 4

When the muscle that produces the movement / contracts / shorts or the working muscle E.g. biceps in biceps curl.

Question 5

Antagonist

Answer 5

Works to counter / opposes the action / relaxes / lengthens (of the agonist) or it controls the movement / the agonist E.g. the triceps in the biceps curl.

Question 6

Fixator

Answer 6

This helps the agonist / stabilises joint/ prevents unintended movement
E.g. the stabilising muscle (brachialis) in the biceps curl.

Question 7

Antagonistic pairs

Answer 7

when the agonist and antagonist work together or when one muscle contracts the other relaxes or when one muscle lengthens the other shortens.
E.g. biceps and triceps in the biceps curl.