GCSE PE (AQA) – Applied Anatomy and
Physiology
1. The Skeletal System
Functions of the Skeleton:
- Support – holds body upright, keeps shape.
- Movement – bones act as levers for muscles to pull on.
- Protection – protects vital organs (e.g. cranium protects brain).
- Blood cell production – red/white blood cells in bone marrow.
- Mineral storage – stores calcium & phosphorus for strong bones.
Types of Bones & Examples:
- Long bones (movement, leverage) → femur, humerus.
- Short bones (shock absorption, weight-bearing) → carpals, tarsals.
- Flat bones (protection, large muscle attachment) → ribs, sternum.
- Irregular bones (specific functions) → vertebrae.
Joints & Movement:
- Hinge → elbow, knee (flexion, extension).
- Ball & socket → shoulder, hip (flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, adduction).
- Pivot → neck (rotation).
2. The Muscular System
Muscle Types:
- Voluntary (skeletal) – conscious control (e.g. biceps).
- Involuntary (smooth) – automatic, e.g. digestive system.
- Cardiac – only in heart, never tires.
Agonist/Antagonist Pairs (muscles work in pairs):
- Agonist – prime mover (contracts).
- Antagonist – relaxes to allow movement.
Examples:
- Biceps (agonist) + Triceps (antagonist) → elbow flexion.
- Quadriceps + Hamstrings → knee extension.
Types of Contraction:
- Isotonic – muscle changes length:
- Concentric (shortens) – e.g. lifting phase of bicep curl.
- Eccentric (lengthens) – lowering phase of bicep curl.
- Isometric – muscle contracts but no movement (plank hold).
Physiology
1. The Skeletal System
Functions of the Skeleton:
- Support – holds body upright, keeps shape.
- Movement – bones act as levers for muscles to pull on.
- Protection – protects vital organs (e.g. cranium protects brain).
- Blood cell production – red/white blood cells in bone marrow.
- Mineral storage – stores calcium & phosphorus for strong bones.
Types of Bones & Examples:
- Long bones (movement, leverage) → femur, humerus.
- Short bones (shock absorption, weight-bearing) → carpals, tarsals.
- Flat bones (protection, large muscle attachment) → ribs, sternum.
- Irregular bones (specific functions) → vertebrae.
Joints & Movement:
- Hinge → elbow, knee (flexion, extension).
- Ball & socket → shoulder, hip (flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, adduction).
- Pivot → neck (rotation).
2. The Muscular System
Muscle Types:
- Voluntary (skeletal) – conscious control (e.g. biceps).
- Involuntary (smooth) – automatic, e.g. digestive system.
- Cardiac – only in heart, never tires.
Agonist/Antagonist Pairs (muscles work in pairs):
- Agonist – prime mover (contracts).
- Antagonist – relaxes to allow movement.
Examples:
- Biceps (agonist) + Triceps (antagonist) → elbow flexion.
- Quadriceps + Hamstrings → knee extension.
Types of Contraction:
- Isotonic – muscle changes length:
- Concentric (shortens) – e.g. lifting phase of bicep curl.
- Eccentric (lengthens) – lowering phase of bicep curl.
- Isometric – muscle contracts but no movement (plank hold).
