Download Biomechanics Vocab

Biomechanics
Vocabulary
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Agonist
Antagonist
Axis of rotation
Concentric action
Eccentric action
Force
Fulcrum
Isometric
Law of acceleration
Law of impact and
reaction
• Law of inertia
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Lever
motion
Motive force
Protraction
Resistive force
Retraction
Supine
Synergist
Torque
Tuberosity
• Agonist – a muscle that is directly engaged in contraction.
• Antagonist – the muscle that acts in opposition to the action produced
by an agonist muscle.
• Axis of rotation – imaginary line or point about which the lever
rotates.
• Concentric action – the muscle acts as the motive force, it shortens
as it creates muscle tension.
• Eccentric action – contraction in which a muscle exerts force,
lengthens and is overcome by a resistance.
• Force: something that causes motion, push or pull
• Fulcrum – a fixed point.
• Isometric – a contraction in which a muscle exerts force but
does not change in length.
• Law of acceleration – F=MA.
• Law of impact and reaction – Newton’s third Law; equal and
opposite reaction.
• Law of inertia – objects remain at rest or if moving continue
moving.
• Lever – a bar that rotates around a fixed fulcrum in response to
an applied force.
• Motion: change in an object’s position in relation to another
object
• Motive force – the force that starts or causes a movement.
• Protraction – movement of the scapula away from the spine.
• Resistive force- a force that resists the motion of another
external force.
• Retraction – movement of the scapula towards the spine.
• Supine – position of the body when lying face upward.
• Synergist – a muscle that assists another muscle in its function.
• Torque – a force causing rotation about a fixed axis of rotation.
• Tuberosity – a projection or protuberance on a bone usually
serving for the attachment of muscles or ligaments.