Agonist and Antagonist Muscle Pairs - GCSE Physical Education

Front

What is the main function of the muscular system?

Back

The muscular system is mainly concerned with producing movement through muscle contraction.

Front

How do muscles move bones?

Back

Muscles are attached to bones by tendons and contract to move bones by pulling on them.

Front

Why do muscles work in pairs?

Back

Muscles can only pull, not push, so they work in pairs to move a joint. One muscle contracts to move the body part, and the other contracts to return it to the original position.

Front

What are antagonistic muscle pairs?

Back

Antagonistic muscle pairs are pairs of muscles where one muscle contracts while the other relaxes or lengthens.

Front

What is the role of the agonist muscle?

Back

The agonist muscle is the one that contracts and does the work during movement.

Front

What is the role of the antagonist muscle?

Back

The antagonist muscle is the one that relaxes or lengthens to allow movement.

Front

How can you remember which muscle is the agonist?

Back

The agonist is the muscle in 'agony' as it is doing all the work during the movement.

Front

In a bicep curl, which muscle is the agonist and which is the antagonist?

Back

In a bicep curl, the biceps are the agonist as they contract to produce the movement, and the triceps are the antagonist as they relax.

Front

What movements are produced by the biceps and triceps at the elbow joint?

Back

The biceps and triceps at the elbow joint produce flexion and extension movements.

Front

Give a sport example involving the elbow joint's antagonistic pair.

Back

A chest pass in netball or a badminton smash involves the elbow joint's antagonistic pair.