OCR GCSE Physical Education: Skeletal & Muscular Systems

A basketball player, Theo, warms up before a game and then jumps to take a shot. The synovial joints in his knees and shoulders allow this movement to happen smoothly.

Describe the structures of a synovial joint and explain how three of these structures allow Theo's joints to move smoothly and without injury during the game. (6 marks)

The body contains different types of freely movable (synovial) joint that allow different ranges of movement.

(a) Name the type of joint found at the shoulder, and state two movements (other than flexion and extension) that this type of joint allows. (2 marks)

(b) Name the type of joint found at the elbow, and state the two movements it allows. (2 marks)

Tendons and ligaments are two different connective tissues that are often confused.

(a) State what a tendon connects and what a ligament connects. (2 marks)

(b) Name the large tendon that connects the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) to the heel bone (calcaneus) and is important for running and jumping. (1 mark)

Muscles can contract in different ways depending on the movement required.

(a) A weightlifter slowly lowers a dumbbell during the downward phase of a bicep curl, controlling the descent against gravity. Name the type of muscle contraction occurring in the biceps, and explain what is happening to the length of the muscle. (2 marks)

(b) Name the type of muscle contraction in which the muscle generates force but does not change length (for example, holding a plank). (1 mark)

The skeleton performs several functions that are important during sport.

Describe two functions of the skeleton, other than movement, and give a sporting example of why each is important. (2 marks)

During a bicep curl, two muscles at the front and back of the upper arm work as an antagonistic pair.

Name the muscle at the back of the upper arm that acts as the antagonist during the upward (lifting) phase of a bicep curl. (1 mark)