NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the role of a synergist in muscle movement?

1. Assists the agonist

2. Works in direct opposition to the agonist

3. Stabilizes the joint

4. Acts as the primary muscle mover

The correct answer is: Assists the agonist

A synergist plays an important role in muscle movement by assisting the agonist, or the primary muscle responsible for a specific movement. While the agonist contracts to produce movement, the synergist aids this action by either reducing unnecessary movement at the joint or by enhancing the efficiency of the agonist. For example, during a bicep curl, the bicep acts as the agonist, while other muscles such as the brachialis and brachioradialis serve as synergists by assisting in the lifting action. This collaboration allows for smoother movement and helps to distribute the workload among multiple muscles. The other options illustrate different roles in muscle function that do not describe the synergist's involvement. For instance, the role of stabilizing the joint typically falls to stabilizers, while working in direct opposition to the agonist is characteristic of antagonists, and acting as the primary muscle mover describes the primary role of the agonist itself. Therefore, the role of a synergist is clearly defined as supporting the main mover, making option A the correct choice.