GCSE P.E Lesson 3 Muscles

HOW MUSCLES WORK (PART 1)

. . . . . What ANTAGONIST, AGONIST and SYNERGISTS muscles are. Learning Objectives . . . By the end of this lesson you will understand . . . . . . How muscles work. . . . . . What ANTAGONIST, AGONIST and SYNERGISTS muscles are.

ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION = MUSCLES WORKING IN PAIRS/GROUPS. How muscles work Muscles work in pairs or groups. This is called antagonistic muscle action. ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION = MUSCLES WORKING IN PAIRS/GROUPS.

Example 1 – biceps and triceps. The biceps and triceps work together to flex and extend the arm.

Example – biceps and triceps. FLEXION at the elbow = Biceps CONTRACT (shortens) Triceps RELAX (lengthens) EXTENSION at the elbow = Biceps RELAX (lengthens) Triceps CONTRACT (shortens)

Always remember . . . . . . RELAXING = muscle LENGTHENING CONTRACTING = muscle SHORTENING RELAXING = muscle LENGTHENING

Example 2 – Quadriceps and Hamstrings FLEXION at the knee = Which muscle shortens/contracts? Which muscle lengthens/relaxes? EXTENSION at the knee =

Antagonist and Agonist muscles The working muscle is the prime mover = the AGONIST. Remember the working muscle will be tired – AGONY! The relaxing muscle = ANTAGONIST

Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow AGONIST = Prime mover (working muscle) ANTAGONIST = Relaxing muscle Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow Extension at the elbow Flexion at the knee Extension at the knee

Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow AGONIST = Prime mover (working muscle) ANTAGONIST = Relaxing muscle Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow Extension at the elbow Flexion at the knee Extension at the knee Biceps Triceps Triceps Biceps Quadriceps hamstrings Quadriceps Hamstrings

SYNERGISTS The prime mover (main working muscle) is helped by other muscles. These are called SYNERGISTS. They contract at the same time as the main working muscle. They hold the body in position so that the prime mover can work smoothly. SYNERGISTS = A muscle that assists another muscle to accomplish a movement.

DO YOU KNOW THE NEW TERMINOLOGY? ANTAGONIST? PRIME MOVER? RELAXING = ? ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION? DO YOU KNOW THE NEW TERMINOLOGY? SYNERGISTS? CONTRACTING = ? AGONIST?