1. GCSE P.E Lesson 3 Muscles

2. HOW MUSCLES WORK (PART 1)

3. . . . . . What ANTAGONIST, AGONIST and SYNERGISTS muscles are.
Learning Objectives . . .
By the end of this lesson you will understand . .
How muscles work.
What ANTAGONIST, AGONIST and SYNERGISTS muscles are.

4. ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION = MUSCLES WORKING IN PAIRS/GROUPS.
How muscles work
Muscles work in pairs or groups.
This is called antagonistic muscle action.
ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION = MUSCLES WORKING IN PAIRS/GROUPS.

5. Example 1 – biceps and triceps.
The biceps and triceps work together to flex and extend the arm.

6. Example – biceps and triceps.
FLEXION at the elbow =
Biceps CONTRACT (shortens)
Triceps RELAX (lengthens)
EXTENSION at the elbow =
Biceps RELAX (lengthens)
Triceps CONTRACT (shortens)

7. Always remember . . . . . . RELAXING = muscle LENGTHENING
CONTRACTING = muscle SHORTENING
RELAXING = muscle LENGTHENING

8. Example 2 – Quadriceps and Hamstrings
FLEXION at the knee =
Which muscle shortens/contracts?
Which muscle lengthens/relaxes?
EXTENSION at the knee =

9. Antagonist and Agonist muscles
The working muscle is the prime mover = the AGONIST.
Remember the working muscle will be tired – AGONY!
The relaxing muscle = ANTAGONIST

10. Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow
AGONIST = Prime mover (working muscle) ANTAGONIST = Relaxing muscle
Agonist muscle
Antagonist muscle
Flexion at the elbow
Extension at the elbow
Flexion at the knee
Extension at the knee

11. Agonist muscle Antagonist muscle Flexion at the elbow
AGONIST = Prime mover (working muscle) ANTAGONIST = Relaxing muscle
Agonist muscle
Antagonist muscle
Flexion at the elbow
Extension at the elbow
Flexion at the knee
Extension at the knee
Biceps
Triceps
Triceps
Biceps
Quadriceps
hamstrings
Quadriceps
Hamstrings

12. SYNERGISTS
The prime mover (main working muscle) is helped by other muscles.
These are called SYNERGISTS.
They contract at the same time as the main working muscle.
They hold the body in position so that the prime mover can work smoothly.
SYNERGISTS = A muscle that assists another muscle to accomplish a movement.

13. DO YOU KNOW THE NEW TERMINOLOGY?
ANTAGONIST?
PRIME MOVER?
RELAXING = ?
ANTAGONISTIC MUSCLE ACTION?
DO YOU KNOW THE NEW TERMINOLOGY?
SYNERGISTS?
CONTRACTING = ?
AGONIST?