Questions and Answers
What is an agonist?
What is the role of the antagonist?
The opposing muscle to the agonist.
Define synergist in muscle movements.
Muscles that contract with the prime mover to help movement.
What does a fixator do?
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What is an isotonic contraction?
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Describe concentric contraction.
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What happens during eccentric contraction?
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What is it called when muscle length remains the same during contraction?
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Study Notes
Muscle Functions and Types of Contractions
- Agonist: The primary muscle responsible for producing a specific movement; also referred to as the prime mover.
- Antagonist: The muscle that opposes the action of the agonist; it relaxes and lengthens during the agonist's contraction.
- Synergist: Secondary muscles that assist the agonist in performing a movement, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the action.
- Fixator: Muscles that stabilize joints, allowing the agonist to exert force without unwanted movements in surrounding structures.
Types of Muscle Contractions
- Isotonic Contraction: A contraction that enables a muscle to either shorten or lengthen while maintaining consistent tension throughout the movement.
- Concentric Contraction: A type of isotonic contraction where the muscle actively shortens while creating force, leading to movement of a body part.
- Eccentric Contraction: A contraction in which the muscle generates force while lengthening, often occurring in controlled movement as muscles resist external forces.
- Isometric Contraction: A contraction where muscle length remains unchanged while generating tension; useful for stabilizing posture without movement.
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Description
Explore key muscle roles with these flashcards covering agonists, antagonists, synergists, and fixators. Perfect for students of human anatomy looking to reinforce their understanding of muscle functions and interactions.
