Biceps and triceps work together antagonistically to control the movement of the forearm; when one muscle contracts, the other relaxes to allow for smooth and coordinated movement.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Antagonistic Pairs: Biceps and triceps are an example of an antagonistic muscle pair. This means they perform opposite actions.
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Biceps Contraction (Flexion): When you bend your arm at the elbow (flexion), your biceps muscle, located on the front of your upper arm, contracts and shortens. This pulls the forearm upwards.
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Triceps Relaxation (Flexion): During flexion, the triceps muscle, located on the back of your upper arm, relaxes and lengthens. This relaxation allows the biceps to effectively bend the arm.
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Triceps Contraction (Extension): When you straighten your arm (extension), the triceps muscle contracts and shortens, pulling the forearm downwards.
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Biceps Relaxation (Extension): During extension, the biceps muscle relaxes and lengthens, allowing the triceps to straighten the arm.
In summary, the biceps and triceps work in a coordinated manner, where one muscle contracts to produce movement, while the other relaxes to allow that movement to occur smoothly. This antagonistic relationship is essential for precise control over arm movements.
