1. Skeletal system function
Learning Objectives
To be able to name the different classifications of joints and give an example of each.
To be able to describe the movement possible at different joints and relate it to a sporting movement.
Content
1.1.4
1.1.4 Classification of joints: pivot (neck – atlas and axis); hinge (elbow, knee and ankle); ball and socket (hip and shoulder); condyloid (wrist); and their impact on the range of possible movements
1.1.5
1.1.5 Movement possibilities at joints dependent on joint classification: flexion; extension; adduction; abduction; rotation; circumduction; plantar-flexion; dorsiflexion and examples of physical activity and sporting skills, and techniques that utilise these movements in different sporting contexts
1.1.6
1.1.6 The role of ligaments and tendons, and their relevance to participation in physical activity and sport

2. Classification of Joints
A joint is a place where two bones meet.
If the skeleton wasn’t able to move in different ways we wouldn’t be able to perform basic sporting actions (think of running with straight legs).
There are different types of joint that are classified according to their structure and the movement they allow:
Pivot – Atlas & Axis
Hinge – Elbow & Knee
Ball & Socket – Shoulder & Hip
Condyloid – Wrist
You can move your shoulder differently to how you can move your knee, hence they are classified into different groups.

3. Main Joints Name of Joint Bones at the joint Type of joint
Movements at joint
Neck
Elbow
Knee
Ankle
Hip
Shoulder
Wrist

4. Femur & Hip (fused bones of ilium, ischium and pubis)
Main Joints
Name of Joint
Bones at the joint
Type of joint
Movements at joint
Neck
Atlas & Axis
Pivot
Elbow
Humerus, Radius & Ulna
Hinge
Knee
Femur & Tibia
Ankle
Hip
Femur & Hip (fused bones of ilium, ischium and pubis)
Ball & Socket
Shoulder
Humerus & Scapula
Wrist
Condyloid

5. Movement at Joints Flexion Bending a limb at a joint. Extension
Straightening a limb at a joint.

6. Movement at Joints Abduction
Movement of a limb sideways away from the centre of the body.
Adduction
Movement of a limb sideways towards the centre of the body.

7. Movement at Joints Dorsi-flexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle joint to pull toes towards shin.
Plantar-flexion
Movement of the foot at the ankle joint to point toes away from shin.

8. Movement at Joints Rotation Circular movement around the joint.
(this involves moving your upper arm within your shoulder joint like you would when you turn a screw)
Circumduction
Conical movement allowing 360’ range of movement.

9. Sporting Actions Skill / Technique Joint Joint Action Sprint Start
Knee
Hip
Ankle
Stationary Inverted Handstand
Shoulder
Elbow
Preparation (Backward)
Striking (Forward)
Kicking a Ball
Cricket Bowling Arm

10. Sporting Actions Skill / Technique Joint Joint Action Sprint Start
Knee
Extension 
Hip
 Extension
Ankle
Plantar Flexion 
Stationary Inverted Handstand
Shoulder
Elbow
Extended 
Preparation (Backward)
Striking (Forward)
Kicking a Ball
 Hyperextension
Flexion 
 Flexion
 Plantar flexion
Dorsi flexion 
Cricket Bowling Arm
Rotation and Circumduction 

11. Tendon These attach muscles to bones.
They are very tough as they have to withstand the force of muscles pulling on them to move bones.
Tendon Injuries
Tendons can snap or tear if a lot of force is applied by muscles very quickly – these injuries can take several months to repair.
Tendons can become inflamed due to overuse – this is called tendonitis and is less severe.

12. Ligaments These join bone to bone.
Their function is to stabilise the joint by supporting it and limiting its movement.
They prevent a joint moving so much that it could dislocate or one of the bones break.
They are elastic and increase in length after long exercise.
If ligaments are overstretched they can be torn.

13. Extended Learning Task
Describe in detail the joint actions involved in jumping to header a ball in football.