Difference Between Flexor Muscles and Extensor Muscles
The flexor and extensor muscles difference are summarised in the table below:
Features | Flexor Muscles | Extensor Muscles |
---|---|---|
Definition | Flexors are the muscles that contract to result in the bending or closure of a joint. | Extensors are the muscles that contract to straighten or open a joint. |
Angle | The angle at the joint is reduced by the contraction of flexors thus bringing two body parts closer. | The angle at the joint is increased by the contraction of extensors thus increasing the distance between two body parts. |
Effects on bones | Bones are pulled closer. | Bones are straightened to get farther. |
Effect on body part | Body parts are pulled towards the body axis. | Body parts are straightened away from the body axis. |
Examples | Flexors of the Biceps | Extensor of the Triceps. |
What is the Difference Between Flexor and Extensor Muscles?
The difference between flexor and extensor muscles lies in the way they function or the way they bring out a change in the associated body parts. Two types of skeletal muscles play crucial roles in the movement of joints in the human body. Flexor muscles are responsible for bending or decreasing the angle between two bones or body parts at a joint while extensor muscles are responsible for straightening or increasing the angle between two bones or body parts at a joint.
These muscles work in pairs. One example of a flexor-extensor pair is the pair of biceps and triceps in the arm that brings out movement at the elbow joint. In this article, we will read about the difference between flexor and extensor muscles and the similarities, functions of the extensor and flexor muscles, functional significance in daily activities, and injury risks to the flexor and extensors.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Flexor Muscles and Extensor Muscles
- What are Flexor Muscles?
- Functions of Flexor Muscles
- What are Extensor Muscles?
- Functions of Extensor Muscles
- Similarities Between Flexor and Extensor Muscles
- Functional Significance in Daily Activities