1. Before any athletic event, well-coached athletes will perform calisthenics, as, for example, in the warm-up routine of basketball players before the opening buzzer. While this activity is certainly entertaining to watch, there is a physiological justification. What is it?

2. Different athletic activities require different muscle groups. How would you expect the body of a speed skater to be different from that of a kayak paddler? Which muscles would be highly developed in each of these athletes.?

3. Both your soleus and gastrocnemius plantar flex your foot at the ankle, yet only the gastrocnemius can flex the knee. Explain why.

4. Locate and contract each of the following muscles on yourself; (a) pectoralis major, (b) deltoid, (c) triceps, (d) pronator teres, (e) rhomboideus major, (f) trapezius, (g) serratus anterior, and (h) latissimus dorsi. Based on function, describe exercises that would strengthen each of these muscles.

5. Some of the muscles in table 8.11 act as synergists to each other. Which ones?

6. You are having problems keeping one eye open, and your physician says that you have ocular ptosis. Which muscle do you think is malfunctioning?

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