Muscle Pairs Simplified Revision Notes for A-Level AQA Biology

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Learn about Skeletal Muscles (A Level only) for your A-Level Biology Exam. This Revision Note includes a summary of Skeletal Muscles (A Level only) for easy recall in your Biology exam

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6.3.1 Muscle Pairs

Antagonistic Muscle Pairs

Muscles work in pairs to bring about movement. These are referred to as antagonistic muscle pairs, where one muscle contracts while the other relaxes to move bones at a joint.

Key Points:

Definition:

Antagonistic muscles are pairs of muscles that pull in opposite directions.
Flexors contract to bend a joint (e.g., lifting the arm).
Extensors contract to straighten a joint (e.g., lowering the arm).

Example: Triceps and Biceps

To lift the arm:
Biceps (flexor) contract.
Triceps (extensor) relax.
To lower the arm:
Triceps contract.
Biceps relax.

Function in Movement:

Antagonistic muscle pairs enable precise, controlled movements.
They ensure that muscles do not overstretch or damage joints.

infoNote

Exam Tip:

Use terms like flexor, extensor, contract, and relax accurately in your explanations.
Be prepared to give specific examples of antagonistic muscle pairs such as biceps and triceps or hamstrings and quadriceps.

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