Muscular System Learning Objectives To recap antagonist and agonist muscles. To understand the muscles in the spine and their function. To be able to use PEE in a longer answer question.

Test your knowledge! Joint Movement Agonist Antagonist Elbow Flexion Shoulder Horizontal extension Abduction Hip Extension Knee Ankle Dorsiflexion Spine Lateral flexion Radio-ulnar Pronation Adduction Wrist

Test your knowledge! Joint Movement Agonist Antagonist Elbow Flexion Bicep brachii Tricep brachii Shoulder Horizontal extension Trapezius Pectoralis major Abduction Deltoid (middle) Latissimus dorsi Hip Extension Gluteus maximum Iliopsoas Knee Rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius Bicep femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus Ankle Dorsiflexion Tibialis anterior Gastrocnemius Spine Lateral flexion External and internal obliques Radio-ulnar Pronation Pronator teres Supinator Adduction Adductor longus, brevis & magnus Gluteus medius & minimus Wrist Wrist extensors Wrist flexors

Muscles of the spine Core stability is essential for mechanical efficiency, injury prevention and rehabilitation from injury. They provide a solid base for all other muscles to work upon and create movement. Two core muscles in particular contract prior to any movement of the limbs to stabilise the lumbar spine.

Transverse abdominus Connects the lumbar vertebrae and wraps around the trunk to meet at the front of the abdomen. Provides stability to the spine. Multifidus Lays either side of the spine and connects to each lumbar vertebrae. It contracts to extend the spine and is essential for good posture.

Developing core strength Improves balance, posture and alignment. Increases twisting strength. Strength training will improve muscle tone. The greater the core muscle tone, the greater the core stability and posture. Minimises risk of injury and lower back pain.