Movement Roles For Muscles Flashcards
1
Q
What is an agonist?
A
Agonists are also called prime movers. These are the muscles producing the most force around a joint and causing movement.
2
Q
What is an antagonist?
A
They’re muscles which produce the opposite movement to an agonist. They relax to allow the agonist to move. In explosive movements the antagonist may contract eccentrically to prevent hypertension.
3
Q
What is a synergist?
A
Assists the agonist by adding to the total force production and stabilises the joint.
4
Q
What is a fixator?
A
They contract isometrically by stabilising the agonists origin. They eliminate unwanted movement of the agonists origin. They reduce the chance of injury from weight bearing activity.
