Flexor and extensor muscles work _______ to operate a joint.

Question

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Flexor and extensor muscles work antagonistically to operate a joint. This means that when one group of muscles contracts (the flexors), the other group (the extensors) must relax in order for movement to occur. For example, when you bend your elbow (flexion), the biceps muscle contracts (shortens) and the triceps muscle relaxes (lengthens). When you extend your elbow (bringing it back to a straight position), the triceps contract and the biceps relax. It's this antagonistic relationship between flexors and extensors that allows for controlled, coordinated movement.

Flexor and Extensor Muscles Work _______ to Operate a Joint