Medical Terminology: Muscular System Part 5
"Antagonist" in the muscular system. It explains that an antagonist muscle opposes the action of another, helping with balance and controlled movement—like the triceps opposing the biceps during elbow flexion.
Define: Antagonist
A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle, providing balance and control during movement.
The triceps serve as the antagonist to the biceps during elbow flexion.
Key Terms
Define: Antagonist
A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle, providing balance and control during movement.
The triceps serve as the ...
Define: Synergist
A muscle that assists the agonist in performing a movement, stabilizing the joint and enhancing efficiency.
Define: Stabilizer
A muscle that helps maintain a position or stabilize a joint during movement, ensuring proper alignment.
Th...
Define: Deltoid
The large triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint, responsible for arm abduction and shoulder movement.
The deltoi...
Define: Pectoralis
A pair of muscles located in the chest, involved in the movement of the shoulder joint and arm.
The pectoralis majo...
Define: Biceps
A muscle located in the upper arm, responsible for flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm.
The biceps muscle is...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define: Antagonist | A muscle that opposes the action of another muscle, providing balance and control during movement. The triceps serve as the antagonist to the biceps during elbow flexion. |
Define: Synergist | A muscle that assists the agonist in performing a movement, stabilizing the joint and enhancing efficiency. The brachialis acts as a synergist to the biceps during arm curls. |
Define: Stabilizer | A muscle that helps maintain a position or stabilize a joint during movement, ensuring proper alignment. The rotator cuff muscles act as stabilizers of the shoulder joint. |
Define: Deltoid | The large triangular muscle covering the shoulder joint, responsible for arm abduction and shoulder movement. The deltoid muscle is crucial for lifting the arm overhead. |
Define: Pectoralis | A pair of muscles located in the chest, involved in the movement of the shoulder joint and arm. The pectoralis major is engaged during push-ups and bench presses. |
Define: Biceps | A muscle located in the upper arm, responsible for flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm. The biceps muscle is prominently used in lifting and pulling motions. |
Define: Triceps | A muscle located at the back of the upper arm, responsible for extending the elbow joint. The triceps muscle is engaged during movements like pushing and throwing. |
Define: Quadriceps | A group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh, responsible for extending the knee joint. The quadriceps are vital for activities such as running and jumping. |
Define: Hamstrings | A group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh, responsible for flexing the knee and extending the hip. The hamstrings play a crucial role in running and bending the leg. |
Define: Gluteus | A group of muscles located in the buttocks, primarily responsible for hip extension, abduction, and rotation. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and is key for movements like squatting. |
Define: Abdominals | A group of muscles located in the front of the abdomen, responsible for flexing the spine and stabilizing the trunk. Abdominals are engaged during core exercises like sit-ups and planks. |
Define: Obliques | Muscles located on the sides of the abdomen, involved in twisting and bending movements of the torso. The obliques are activated during exercises like Russian twists. |
Define: Gastrocnemius | The large calf muscle located at the back of the lower leg, responsible for plantar flexion of the foot and flexion of the knee. The gastrocnemius is heavily used in activities like running and jumping. |
Define: Soleus | A muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius in the calf, primarily responsible for plantar flexion of the foot. The soleus plays an essential role in walking and maintaining posture. |
Define: Latissimus | The broadest muscle of the back, responsible for the movement of the shoulder and upper arm. The latissimus dorsi is engaged during pull-ups and rowing exercises. |
Define: Dorsi | Referring to the back or dorsal side of the body, often used in anatomical terms to describe muscle locations and functions. The dorsi muscles are crucial for movements involving the back and shoulders. |
Define: Trapezius | A large muscle located in the upper back, responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the shoulder blade. The trapezius muscle is engaged during shoulder shrugs and various upper body exercises. |
Define: Sternocleidomastoid | A muscle in the neck that helps rotate and flex the head, playing a key role in head movement and posture. The sternocleidomastoid is activated when looking over your shoulder. |
Define: Diaphragm | A dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, essential for the process of breathing. The diaphragm contracts and flattens during inhalation to allow air into the lungs. |
Define: Surgery | A medical procedure involving the physical manipulation of tissues to treat or diagnose a condition, often requiring anesthesia. Surgery may be necessary to repair a torn ligament. |
Define: Injection | A method of delivering medication or vaccines into the body using a syringe and needle. An injection can be used to administer a flu vaccine. |
Define: Immobilization | The process of restricting movement to a body part, often using splints or casts to promote healing after an injury. Immobilization of a fractured bone is essential to allow proper healing. |
Define: Recovery | The process of regaining strength and function after an injury, illness, or surgery, often involving rehabilitation. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks and requires physical therapy. |