Question

multiple select question

select all that apply

during a particular joint action, an antagonist may do which of the following?

holds the bone (to which it is attached) steady during the action
relaxes to allow other muscles to have control over the action
limits the speed or range of the action by opposing the other muscles involved
generates most of the force needed to produce the action

Explanation:

Define the role of an antagonist muscle

Using the Muscle Functional Groups knowledge point, an antagonist is a muscle that opposes the prime mover (agonist). It acts on the opposite side of a joint during a movement.

Analyze the first option

Using the Synergist Muscle Function knowledge point, holding a bone steady to prevent movement or stabilize a joint is the primary role of a fixator muscle, not an antagonist.

Analyze the second option

Using the Muscle Functional Groups knowledge point, an antagonist must relax or yield to allow the agonist (prime mover) to contract and have control over the joint action. Thus, this statement is correct.

Analyze the third option

Using the Muscle Functional Groups knowledge point, an antagonist can contract moderately to slow down, control, or limit the speed and range of a movement, protecting the joint from injury. Thus, this statement is correct.

Analyze the fourth option

Using the Prime Mover and Agonist Muscle knowledge points, generating most of the force needed to produce the action is the definition of the prime mover (agonist), not the antagonist.

Answer:

• Holds the bone (to which it is attached) steady during the action
• Relaxes to allow other muscles to have control over the action (Correct answer)
• Limits the speed or range of the action by opposing the other muscles involved (Correct answer)
• Generates most of the force needed to produce the action