Which term is another name for the prime mover?

• A. Stabilizer
• B. Synergist
• C. Prime mover
• D. Antagonist

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that the prime mover is the muscle mainly responsible for generating the movement. In anatomy, this role is often referred to as the agonist—the primary mover that drives the action. Among the options, the term that identifies this main driver is the same label used for the role itself, which makes it the best fit. The other terms describe different functions: stabilizers hold a joint steady during movement, synergists assist the prime mover to enhance or refine the action, and antagonists oppose the movement. For example, in elbow flexion the biceps brachii acts as the prime mover, or agonist, for that motion, while other muscles can assist as synergists and the triceps acts as the antagonist.