Understanding Reciprocal Inhibition in Muscle Movement

Reciprocal Inhibition

When agonist contracts, antagonist relaxes to prevent opposition

Antagonist

Muscle with opposite action to agonist, relaxes during contraction.
(Ex: quadrecepts in football kick)

Motor Neuron

Neuron controlling muscle contraction.

Torque

Force causing rotation around a joint

Concentric Contraction

Muscle shortens during contraction.
(Ex: bringing arm up during bicep curl)

Automatic Action

Involuntary response controlled by neurons.

Agonist

muscle with opposite action to antagonist, contracts during relaxation
(ex: hamstring in football kick)

Example of Agonist and Antagonist movement

Football kick: Hamstrings contract to flex knee while quadriceps lengthen to allow movement.

Eccentric Contraction

Muscle lengthens during contraction
(Ex: lowering arm during bicep curl)