What is the role of an antagonist muscle?

The role of an antagonist muscle is to counteract the action of the agonist muscle. In any given movement, the agonist is the primary muscle responsible for that movement, whereas the antagonist works in opposition to it. For instance, during a bicep curl, the biceps act as the agonist by contracting to lift the weight, while the triceps serve as the antagonist by relaxing and lengthening to allow that movement to occur smoothly. This relationship is crucial for coordinating movement, maintaining balance, and ensuring joint stability. Proper functioning of antagonist muscles helps prevent injuries by allowing controlled movement rather than letting the agonist operate unchecked, which could lead to strains or tears.