Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In the context of anatomy and physiology, a synergist is a muscle that assists the prime mover in performing its action. It helps increase the efficiency of the prime mover by adding extra force or reducing undesirable movements.
Related terms
Prime Mover: A muscle that provides the primary force driving an action.
Antagonist Muscle: A muscle that opposes the action of another (the prime mover), allowing for precise control of movement.
Fixator: A muscle that stabilizes one part of the body while another part moves, functioning to prevent unwanted movements