Agonist/Antagonist muscle pairs (quick question)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of agonist and antagonist muscle pairs, specifically focusing on the behavior of finger muscles when the agonist (flexor) is paralyzed. Participants explore the conditions under which the finger remains extended and the role of muscle tone in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a paralyzed person must actively extend their finger for it to remain in an extended position, or if it happens immediately upon paralysis.
  • Another participant states that all muscles have a resting muscle tone, which contributes to finger extension when the flexors are paralyzed.
  • It is noted that the flexor muscles are stronger than the extensor muscles in the forearm, which is why fingers are typically flexed at rest.
  • A later reply confirms that involuntary contraction due to muscle tone is responsible for the finger's extended position when flexors are paralyzed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the role of muscle tone in maintaining finger extension when flexors are paralyzed, but the initial question about the necessity of active extension remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific mechanisms of muscle tone or the exact conditions under which the finger remains extended post-paralysis.

sameeralord
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agonist/antagonist muscle pairs. Let's say agonist flexes the finger. When agonist get paralyzed why does the finger stay in an extended position?

Ok I know this is obvious it is acting unopposed but my question is for the finger to stay in an extended position does the paralyzed person have to extend his finger first. What I mean is does the finger extend immediately after paralysis or does the person have to physically extend it once and then he can't flex it again so it stays that way.

When my hand is at rest my fingers are flexed? What is the reason for this. How does this flexion occur auto?

Thanks!
 
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All muscles in your body have a resting muscle tone. It's this tone of the extensors that causes the finger extension when the flexes are paralyzed.

The flexor muscles are stronger than the extensors in your forearm. That's why your fingers are flexed in the resting position of the hand.
 
AyazM said:
All muscles in your body have a resting muscle tone. It's this tone of the extensors that causes the finger extension when the flexes are paralyzed.

The flexor muscles are stronger than the extensors in your forearm. That's why your fingers are flexed in the resting position of the hand.

I did a research based on your reply and yes it seems involuntary contraction from muscle tone that causes this. Thanks man. Welcome to the forum :smile:
 
You are welcome :)
 

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