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Multiple Choice
Which muscle relaxes to allow the elbow to extend?
A
Triceps brachii
B
Biceps brachii
C
Brachialis
D
Deltoid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the elbow joint: The elbow is a hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna. It allows for flexion and extension movements.
Identify the muscles involved in elbow movement: The primary muscles responsible for elbow flexion are the biceps brachii and brachialis, while the triceps brachii is responsible for elbow extension.
Determine the role of each muscle: The biceps brachii and brachialis contract to flex the elbow, while the triceps brachii contracts to extend the elbow.
Recognize the concept of antagonistic muscle pairs: In the context of the elbow, the biceps brachii and triceps brachii are antagonistic pairs. When one contracts, the other relaxes to allow movement in the opposite direction.
Apply the concept to the problem: To allow the elbow to extend, the triceps brachii contracts, and the biceps brachii must relax. Therefore, the muscle that relaxes to allow elbow extension is the biceps brachii.