What Is an Antagonistic Muscle in the Leg?
Quick Answer
According to the BBC, antagonistic muscles are pairs of muscles that work by alternately contracting and relaxing. In the human leg, the quadriceps and hamstrings are one example of antagonistic muscles. As York College explains, skeletal muscles always work in groups and never work in isolation.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Muscles pull on the bones of the skeletal system to cause the body to move. HowStuffWorks.com explains that antagonistic muscle pairs work by pulling a bone in different directions to produce motion. For example, to pull the foot up towards the buttocks, the hamstring contracts, while the quadriceps relax. When it is time to straighten the leg, the quadriceps contract, while the hamstring relaxes, which straightens the leg.
The University of the Western Cape explains that muscles achieve movement by making bones move as levers. The quadriceps and hamstrings produce a third class lever, just as the biceps and triceps of the arm do; other parts of the body use first and second class levers. For example, the calf muscles, which allow humans to walk, produce a second class lever, where the load lies between the fulcrum and the effort applied. By contrast, the head and neck muscles create a first class lever when they cause the head to nod.
Learn more about MusclesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Do the Leg Muscles Look Like?
A: When viewed anatomically, the leg muscles are seen as overlapping layers of striated muscle fibers that range in color from pale to dark red, depending on ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Muscles Are Used in Leg Extensions?
A: According to About.com, the quadriceps are the primary muscles used in leg extensions. The quadriceps are located on the front of the thighs and include th... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which Muscle Bends the Knee?
A: The muscles that control the knees include the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. These muscles all work together to allow the knee to move freely in... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Muscle Spasms?
A: Muscle spasms are sudden involuntary contractions of one or more muscles and often lead to cramping. Some muscles are more prone to spasms, including the c... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Is the Muscular Wall That Separates the Abdominal and Thoracic Cavities?
-
Q:
What Is the Fibrous Tissue That Covers Muscles?
-
Q:
How Do You Prepare a Leg of Lamb for Roasting?
-
Q:
Where Can You Find Pictures of a Staph Infection on the Leg?
-
Q:
What Could Cause Your Leg to Cramp at Night?
-
Q:
What Are the Differences Between a Sprain Vs. a Strained Muscle?
