What are synergist muscles?

Synergist muscles are defined as those that assist the prime mover in performing a specific movement. The prime mover, also known as the agonist, is the muscle primarily responsible for the action. Synergists play a crucial role in stabilizing joints and enhancing the efficiency of movements by working alongside the prime mover. For instance, during a bicep curl, the biceps brachii is the prime mover, and synergist muscles like the brachialis and brachioradialis help support and smooth out the motion.

This cooperative function allows for more controlled movements and helps prevent any unnecessary strain on the joints and surrounding structures. By understanding the role of synergist muscles, one can appreciate how muscles function collectively to create harmonious movement patterns in the body.