Final answer:
Reciprocal inhibition occurs when a tight agonist muscle decreases the neural drive to its functional antagonist, causing muscle relaxation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muscle relaxation is caused by a tight agonist muscle decreasing the neural drive to its functional antagonist. When a muscle contracts, the agonist muscle is responsible for the movement while the antagonist muscle relaxes. However, if the agonist muscle remains contracted, it can inhibit the neural drive to the antagonist muscle, causing it to weaken and relax. This phenomenon is known as reciprocal inhibition.
For example, if the biceps muscle (agonist) remains contracted, it can inhibit the neural drive to the triceps muscle (antagonist), causing it to relax. This reciprocal inhibition allows for smooth and coordinated movement.