What Is an Example of an Agonist Muscle?
Quick Answer
During arm extension, when the arm is being straightened, the triceps muscle is considered the agonist muscle. The agonist muscle is also sometimes called the prime mover, and is the muscle that generates the primary movement by contracting.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Most muscle groupings establish a pair of muscles that work together to move a given joint. For each movement, one muscle is designated as the agonist muscle, while the other is considered the antagonist muscle. The agonist muscle is always the muscle that contracts to create the particular movement, while the antagonist muscle contracts to return the joint to its original resting position. When extending an arm into a straight position, the triceps is considered the agonist muscle and the biceps is the antagonist, since the triceps muscle generates the motion to straighten the arm and the biceps contracts to return the arm to the original position. If the motion in question is an arm flexion, raising the wrist and bending the elbow, then the biceps generates the primary motion and is considered the agonist, while the triceps returns the arm to its original position, making it the antagonist muscle. Agonist muscles are often assisted by synergist muscles that work to reduce excessive force from agonist muscles and create a broader range of contractions for a particular joint.
Learn more about MusclesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Muscle Allows You to Shrug Your Shoulders or Extend Your Head?
A: According to Inner Body, the trapezius muscle is responsible for shoulder shrugging and head extension. The trapezius is a wide, superficial muscle that co... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which Is the Flexor Muscle in the Elbow Joint?
A: According to Sportsinjuryclinic.net, several muscles in the elbow joint are directly involved in the flexion and extension of the elbow. Two of the largest... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Muscle Opposes the Deltoids?
A: The deltoid is opposed by the pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi when the arm is moved away from the body to the side. The deltoid group functions t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When Does the Biceps Muscle Make a Prominent Bulge?
A: The biceps brachii muscle in the upper arm forms a noticeable bulge during concentric exercises when the elbow is bent and the muscle is shortening in orde... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Is an Example of a Bibliography Suitable for the End of an Academic Book?
-
Q:
Who Is an Example of a Famous Female Veterinarian?
-
Q:
What Is an Example of a Testimonial Advertisement?
-
Q:
What Is the Muscle That Allows You to Shrug Your Shoulders?
-
Q:
What Is an Example of Chemical Energy?
-
Q:
What Is an Example of Mechanical Force?
