Name: Anahi Beltran

Class: 4-12
Date: 11/7/2023
Biology II
Quiz 9:Antagonistic pairs

Instructions: Answer each of the following questions. (20pts)

1. Explain the meanings of the terms: (6pts)
Antagonistic pair- An antagonist pair refers to a set of muscles that work in
opposition to each other to produce movement in a joint.

b. flexor- When it comes to muscles, flexors are responsible for reducing the angle
between two body parts, which permits the bending or flexion of joints to occur

a. c. Extensor - refers to muscles, tendons, or structures that are involved in extending

or straightening a joint.

2. Explain what causes muscles to contract. (3pts)

Muscle contractions are caused by nerve signals from the peripheral nervous system causing
contractions by triggering chemical processes within muscle fibers, causing them to reorganize
and shorten.

3. Why is it important for muscles to be elastic and flexible but for tendons to be
inelastic? (2pts)
Muscles are elastic and flexible, allowing for movement and force absorption, while
tendons are inelastic, allowing precise movement and stability, ensuring optimal
performance and functionality.

4. Now examine Figure 17.3.5( (textbook pg. 175) and answer these questions: (4pts)
a. Which muscle contracts when the arm is raised? Bicep Muscle
b. Which muscle contracts when the arm is straightened? Tricep Muscle
c. Why are the biceps and triceps called an antagonistic pair of muscles? They are
called antagonistic because they work together in pairs.
d. How are the arm muscles attached to the arm bones? The arm muscles are attached to
the arms bones through tendons.

5. Look at figure 17.3.6. Imagine the person is lifting her arm away from her side. (3pts)
a. Which muscle is contracting? Deltoid muscle
b. Which muscle is relaxing? Teres major muscle
 c. How will the antagonistic relationship between these two muscles change when the
person drops her arm? Dropping an arm alters the flexor and extensor muscles in
the arm, causing the flexor muscles to relax and the extensor muscles to contract,
allowing the arm to return to its original position.

6. What happens to muscles if they are not used? Why? (2pts)

When muscles are not used or remain inactive for an extended period, they can go to a process
called muscle atrophy. If muscles are not used the body recognize that the muscles are not
needed and starts breaking them down, leading to a decrease in size and strength.