A prime mover, also known as an agonist, is the muscle primarily responsible for initiating and carrying out a specific movement, such as the biceps brachii during a bicep curl. In contrast, a synergist is a muscle that assists the prime mover by stabilizing the joint or helping with the movement, like the brachialis during the same curl. While the prime mover is the main actor in a movement, synergists support and enhance the action for smoother and more effective performance.
synergist
Antagonist: Controls movement, opposite of prime mover Prime Mover: Main muscle that is directly responsible for movement Synergist: Aids in movement of muscle
synergist
synergist
brachialis
triceps brachii
triceps brachii
A synergist muscle helps a prime mover muscle in creating a specific movement. It assists the prime mover by reducing unnecessary movements and helping stabilize the joint. Synergist muscles work together to produce coordinated movement.
The muscle that performs the same movement as the prime mover is known as a synergist. Synergists assist the prime mover in executing a specific movement, stabilizing the joint, or reducing any unwanted motion. By working together, the prime mover and synergists ensure more efficient and coordinated movement. An example is the biceps brachii acting as a synergist to the brachialis during elbow flexion.
The Gastrocnemius (calf muscle) is the primary mover. The Synergist (or assistor) muscle is the Soleus.
Muscles act as stabilizers by holding joints in place, allowing the prime mover to generate force and movement at more distal joints. This enables efficient and effective movement coordination during various activities.
The prime mover is a conceptual term from Aristotle's philosophy to describe an unmoved mover that initiates all motion in the universe. Therefore, nothing performs the same movement as the prime mover since it is considered the ultimate cause of all motion.