Following are the important antagonistic muscles:
1. Flexor and extensor: Flexor muscle on contraction results into bending or flexion of joint. e.g. Biceps. Extensor muscle on contraction results in straightening or extension of a joint. e.g. Triceps.
2. Abductor and adductor: Abductor muscle moves a body part away from the body axis. e.g. Deltoid muscle of shoulder moves the arm away from the body. Adductor muscle moves a body part towards the body axis. e.g. L.atissirnus dorsi of shoulder moves the arm near the body.
3. Pronator and supinator: Pronator turns the palm downwards and supinator turns the palm upward.
4. Levator and depressor: Levator raises a body part and the depressors lower the body part.
5. Protractor and retractor: Protractor moves forward, whereas the retractor moves backward.
6. Sphincters: Circular muscles present in the inner walls of anus, stomach. etc., for closure and opening.
