Question

What are antagonistic muscles? Give one example

Answer 1

• A structure that has been moved by a muscle cannot return to its original position without the action of another muscle. Such muscles causing opposing movements are called as antagonistic muscles.
• Example: The flexor muscles or the biceps of the upper arm bends the lower arm over the upper arm (flexes). Extension of the lower arm is caused by the extensor muscles or the triceps. Hence these two muscles are antagonistic or work in the opposite direction.