Antagonist

Definition

In the muscular system, an antagonist muscle acts in opposition to the action of a specific agonist muscle, relaxing and yielding while the agonist contracts. This coordinated action allows for smooth and controlled movements.

Related terms

Agonist:

A muscle that contracts to create movement when it shortens, working against an antagonist muscle.

Synergist:

A muscle that assists the agonist in performing its action, often by providing additional force or by stabilizing joints.

Muscle Tone: The continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles or their resistance to passive stretching during resting state