Synergist muscles are described as doing what?

• A. Help perform the same motion as the agonist
• B. Are the primary movers of the movement
• C. Cause movement in the opposite direction
• D. Only stabilize joints and do not move

Answer: (A)

Synergist muscles work with the main mover to produce the same action. They provide extra power and help control the movement, sometimes stabilizing the joint so the motion happens smoothly and in the right path. For example, during elbow flexion the biceps is the primary mover, while synergists like the brachialis and brachioradialis assist the flexion, making the movement stronger and steadier. They are not the primary movers, they do not move in the opposite direction, and they can contribute to movement rather than only stabilizing.