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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how your arm muscles work to lift a mug of coffee to your lips?
A
The biceps brachii contracts to flex the elbow while the triceps brachii relaxes.
B
Both the biceps brachii and triceps brachii contract simultaneously to lift the mug.
C
The deltoid muscle alone is responsible for lifting the mug to your lips.
D
The triceps brachii contracts to flex the elbow while the biceps brachii relaxes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the arm muscles involved in lifting a mug. The biceps brachii is located on the front of the upper arm and is responsible for flexing the elbow, while the triceps brachii is located on the back of the upper arm and is responsible for extending the elbow.
Step 2: Recognize the concept of antagonistic muscle pairs. These pairs work in opposition to each other, where one muscle contracts (shortens) to produce movement, and the opposing muscle relaxes (lengthens) to allow the movement.
Step 3: Analyze the motion of lifting a mug to your lips. This action involves flexing the elbow joint, which decreases the angle between the forearm and upper arm. Flexion is primarily performed by the biceps brachii.
Step 4: Determine the role of the triceps brachii during this motion. Since the triceps brachii is responsible for extending the elbow, it must relax to allow the biceps brachii to contract and flex the elbow effectively.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options based on the anatomy and physiology of the muscles. For example, the deltoid muscle primarily abducts the arm at the shoulder and does not play a significant role in flexing the elbow. Similarly, simultaneous contraction of both the biceps brachii and triceps brachii would counteract the movement, making it inefficient.