Muscle Contractions Flashcards
1
Q
Agonists
A
- prime mover
- shortens and contracts to provide major force causing movement
2
Q
Antagonists
A
- On opposite side of the bone which opposes movement of agonists.
- agonist must relax and lengthen when prime mover contracts and shortens
3
Q
Fixators
A
- muscle that serve to steady a body part, assisting prime movers
- improves effectiveness of antagonist by stabilising
4
Q
Synergists
A
- assists prime mover helping coordinate/fine tune direction of movement
- prevents extra movement from the agonist to make sure force generated works efficiently and accurately
5
Q
Stabilisers
A
- muscles maintain postural alignment
E.g. abdominal and gluteal muscles contract to stabilise pelvis
6
Q
Movers
A
Muscles responsible for movement
7
Q
Tasks of muscles
A
- producing movement
- stabilising
- braking
8
Q
Concentric contraction
A
- muscle shortens as it contracts, producing movement
E.g. lifting leg
9
Q
Isometric contraction
A
- no change in muscle length but increase in muscle tension
E.g. holding the leg
10
Q
Eccentric contraction
A
- muscle lengthens as it contracts against resistance or gravity
E.g. lowering the leg
