Agonist and Antagonist Muscles Summary

Agonist / prime mover muscle directly responsible for the movement at a

joint.
Antagonist muscle that is relaxing and has the opposite action to the agonist.
MOVEMENTS
Wrist flexion

AGONIST (prime
mover)
Flexor Digitorum

ANTAGONIST
(relaxed)
Extensor Digitorum

Wrist extension

Extensor Digitorum

Flexor Digitorum

Elbow flexion

Biceps Brachii

Triceps Brachii

Elbow extension

Triceps Brachii

Biceps Brachii

Shoulder flexion

Shoulder extension
-

Anterior Deltoid
Pectoralis Major
Biceps Brachii
Posterior deltoid
Latissimus Dorsi

Posterior Deltoid
Latissimus Dorsi
Triceps Brachii
Anterior deltoid
Pectoralis Major

Shoulder adduction

Latissimus Dorsi
Pectoralis major

Deltoid (middle)

Shoulder abduction

Deltoid (middle)

Latissimus Dorsi
Pectoralis major

Spine/ Trunk flexion

Rectus Abdominis

Erector Spinae

Spine/ Trunk
extension

Erector Spinae

Rectus Abdominis

Hip flexion

Iliopsoas
Quadriceps
Gluteus Maximus
Hamstrings
Hamstrings

Gluteus Maximus
Hamstrings
Iliopsoas
Quadriceps
Quadriceps

Hip extension
Knee flexion

Knee extension

Quadriceps

Hamstrings

Dorsiflexion

Tibialis Anterior

Plantarflexion

Gastrocnemius +
soleus

Gastrocnemius +
soleus
Tibialis Anterior