Muscular system

Question 1

Agonist

Answer 1

-An agonist is the muscle that contracts to produce movement e.g the bicep brachii in the upward phase of a bicep curl

Question 2

Antagonist

Answer 2

-An antagonist is a muscle that relaxes and opposes the movement of the agonist to produce coordinated movement
-For example the triceps brachii relax during the upward phase of a bicep curl

Question 3

Fixator

Answer 3

-Fixator is a muscle that contracts to stabilise the joint e.g the trapezius muscle contracts during a bicep curl to stabilise the joint

Question 4

Concentric contraction

Answer 4

-Concentric contraction is when the muscle length shortens, causing tension e.g the biceps brachii shorten on the upwards phase of a bicep curl

Question 5

eccentric contraction

Answer 5

-Eccentric contraction is when the muscle lengthens causing tension
-For example the biceps brachii lengthen on the downwards phase of a bicep curl

Question 6

Isotonic contraction

Answer 6

-Isotonic contraction is when the muscle length changes during contraction (can be concentric or eccentric)

Question 7

Isometric contraction

Answer 7

-Isometric contraction is when the muscle length stays the same during contraction
-For example the rectus abdominus contracts isometrically during a plank