Final answer:
The pronator quadratus and supinator are antagonistic muscles: the supinator muscle turns the forearm anteriorly into the supinated position, while the pronator quadratus is involved in pronation, turning the palm posteriorly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes the relationship between the pronator quadratus and supinator is that they are antagonistic muscles. These muscles are involved in the movements known as supination and pronation of the forearm. The supinator muscle is the primary muscle that turns the forearm anteriorly, or into the supinated position, where the palm faces up. In contrast, the pronator quadratus, along with the pronator teres, facilitates pronation of the forearm, turning the palm to face posteriorly.
During pronation, the radius and ulna form an X-shape across each other, and during supination, these bones are parallel. The proximal radioulnar joint allows for the rotation necessary for these movements. Thus, while the supinator turns the forearm to the supinated position, the pronator quadratus is responsible for pronating the forearm, highlighting their antagonistic action.