Voluntary muscles and antagonistic pairs
I can label the major muscles of the body and describe how antagonistic pairs work together to produce movement.
Voluntary muscles and antagonistic pairs
I can label the major muscles of the body and describe how antagonistic pairs work together to produce movement.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The upper body contains muscles such as the deltiod, biceps, triceps, pectorals, abdominals and latissimus dorsi.
- The lower body contains muscles such as the gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius.
- Muscles are attached to bones by tendons.
- Muscles contract and relax to move bones in antagonistic pairs.
- As one muscle contracts (agonist/prime mover), the other relaxes (antagonist).
Keywords
Agonist/prime mover - the muscle or group of muscles responsible for the movement
Antagonist - the muscle that works in the opposite way of the agonist
Antagonistic pair - pairs of muscles that work together to bring about movement. As one muscle contracts (agonist) the other relaxes (antagonist)
Tendon - strong, flexible tissue that attaches muscle to bone
Common misconception
Muscles can pull and push.
Muscles are only able to pull, they work in antagonistic pairs so one muscle can contract to create a movement whilst the other relaxes in opposition and then their roles are reversed to move back.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
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hamstring
tibialis anterior
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