High School Biology : Understanding Muscles

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Muscles

What is the name of a muscle that assists another muscle by stabilizing or positioning the surrounding bones?

Possible Answers:

Agonist

Synergist

Antagonist

Tendon

Correct answer:

Synergist

Explanation:

During muscle contraction, the muscle deemed the agonist will contract while the antagonist will stretch. The agonist will cause the primary action and the antagonist would cause an opposite action. Synergists assist the agonist by stabilizing the origin bone, which facilitates movements and posture.

For example, the biceps brachii (agonist) is used to flex the arm, while the triceps brachii (antagonist) is used to straighten the arm. The brachialis is also used to flex the arm, but in a different way, making it a synergist to the biceps brachii.

Tendons are separate from muscle, and are used to secure a muscle attachment to bone.

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