GCSE Physical Education The Muscular System

Learning Objectives By the end of this lesson pupils should: Know the major muscle groups Understand the physical activities which benefit them The role of muscles in movement

The Muscular System

The Muscular System The term ‘muscular system’ describes all the muscles in the body and how they work. Creates movement as a result of muscle contracting and relaxing (lengthening). Muscles also define body shape and maintain posture, whether sitting or standing Muscles work either: - voluntarily (through planned movements) or - involuntarily (contracting/lengthening by themselves)

Voluntary & Involuntary Muscles

Muscles & Movement

Muscles & Movement Muscles are attached to the bones of the skeleton by tendons Muscles are made up of many muscle fibres and when these pull against the skeleton (contract), movement takes place Muscles cannot push, this is why they are arranged in pairs so the other muscle can pull in the opposite direction

Antagonistic Pairs

Antagonistic Pairs Muscles are arranged in antagonistic pairs, so when one muscle contracts and pulls, the other relaxes to allow the joint to work The biceps and triceps are arranged in an antagonistic pair to allow movement in the forearm This pair of muscles work antagonistically during a bicep curl and a tricep dip

The Muscles

There are 11 specific muscles you need to know for the examination: The Muscles There are 11 specific muscles you need to know for the examination:

The Deltoid

The Deltoid The deltoid gives the rounded shape of the shoulder It abducts (takes away) the upper arm from the body Can be improved by lifting a weight above the head

The Trapezius

The Trapezius The trapezius is attached to the head and neck at the top, and the shoulder below Its function is to lift the shoulder, brace it back, and rotate the shoulder blade Can be improved by rowing and shoulder shrugs

The Latissimus Dorsi

The Latissimus Dorsi The latissimus dorsi is a sheet of muscle which connects from the lower spine to the humerus Its function is to abduct (take away) and rotate the arms. This draws them back and inwards to the body Can be improved by performing pull- ups

The Pectoral Muscle

The Pectoral Muscle The pectoral muscle covers the chest Its function is to adduct (move toward the body) the arm and draw the arm forwards and rotate it inwards Can be improved by performing bench presses or push-ups

The Abdominal Muscles

The Abdominal Muscles The abdominal muscles hold the stomach in They make flexing, bending forward and rotating the trunk to the side possible, and also help good posture Can be improved by rowing and performing sit-ups correctly

The Biceps & Triceps

The Biceps & Triceps When the arm is extended (straightened), the triceps contracts and the biceps relaxes When the arm is flexed (bent), the triceps relaxes and the biceps contracts Can be improved by performing press-ups correctly

The Gluteal Muscles

The Gluteal Muscles These form the buttocks. The largest of the gluteal muscles is the gluteus maximus. It attaches to the femur Its function is to pull the leg backwards (extend) Can be improved by performing squats and lunges

The Quadriceps

The Quadriceps The quadriceps are found on the front of the upper leg Its function is to extend (straighten) the leg at the knee joint Can be improved by performing squats

The Hamstrings

The Hamstrings The hamstrings are found on the back of the leg and stretch from the bottom part of the pelvis to the tibia Its function is to bend (flex) the knee Can be improved by performing leg curls

The Gastrocnemius

The Gastrocnemius The gastrocnemius starts at the back of the femur. They come together to form the Achilles tendon Its function is to point the toes (plantar flex) away from the foot Can be improved by performing calf raises

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