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A third-class lever is characterized by its arrangement, where the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. This arrangement means that in a third-class lever, a larger range of motion is achieved at the load with a relatively smaller movement at the effort point. As a result, third-class levers are particularly efficient for enhancing speed and range of motion rather than generating power.

This is often observed in many common movements of the body, such as bicep curls or knee extensions, where the muscle produces movement over a longer distance with relatively less force output compared to systems designed primarily for power. As the muscles contract, they allow for quick and extensive movement, contributing to agility and speed.

While it is true that third-class levers can be used in upper extremity movements, they are not exclusively limited to that region. Similarly, while some levers may provide physiological advantages, third-class levers do not inherently offer this, especially when compared to other lever types that might focus more on power.