General Flashcards
In what three ways can muscles attach?
- directly to the bone
- via tendons
- muscle to muscle
Name four key points about muscle action
- a muscle can only pull
- a muscle crosses at least one joint
- a muscle can only work in its line of fibre
- muscles work in pairs
What is a concentric contraction?
When the muscle shortens
Eg: when pulling the weight up in a bicep curl
What is an eccentric contraction?
When the muscle lengthens
Eg: when lowering the weight in a bicep curl
What is an isometric contraction?
When the muscle holds a weight in place, neither lengthening or shortening
What is the name of the main muscle causing a movement?
The prime mover / agonist
What is the opposite muscle to the agonist called?
The antagonist
Why must you not hold your breath during intense static (isometric) contractions?
It can lead to increased blood pressure and interfere with blood flow to the heart - the ‘Valsalva effect’
What is the name of muscles that are used to hold a specific joint in position while carrying out an exercise?
Fixators
What is the name of a muscle that helps the prime mover to move?
Synergist
What are the four main functions of muscles
- producing movement
- stabilising the body
- storing and moving substances
- generating heat
