Final answer:
The tricep consists of three muscles located on the back of the upper arm, responsible for extension of the elbow joint. Tricep dips or overhead tricep extensions are exercises that strengthen the triceps. Muscles work in opposing pairs, with the tricep acting as an extensor when it contracts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tricep, or triceps brachii, is made up of three muscles that make up the Tricep. It is a three-headed muscle that is located on the back of the upper arm and is responsible for extending the forearm. One exercise to strengthen the tricep is the tricep dip or the overhead tricep extension. The primary function of the tricep is extension of the elbow joint, which means it helps to straighten the arm.
Muscles can only contract and are therefore organized in pairs that work together to move joints. The biceps and triceps are an example of such a pair. When you bend your arm, your biceps muscle contracts while the triceps muscle relaxes. Conversely, when you straighten your arm, the triceps muscle contracts and the biceps muscle relaxes. This demonstrates the concept of opposing muscle pairs, with muscles only able to pull rather than push.