Agonist (anatomy)

In anatomy and physiology, the muscle or part of the nervous system that is more and more inhibited with increasing activity ( muscle contraction or excitation ) of its opponent ( antagonist ) is referred to as an agonist ( Greek αγωνιστής , agonistís - the active, doer, leader ) . With a physiological muscle status, this enables controlled movement control in the moving joint or prevents overexcitation of a nerve subsystem (if these regulations in the central nervous system fail , e.g. epileptic seizures occur).

Sometimes the muscle that is most powerful in a particular direction of movement is called the agonist. Muscles that support the agonist are called synergists .

Agonist and antagonist are related to each other, which forms the muscle balance. If a muscle is more pronounced than its opponent, muscular imbalances arise.