Component 1: 1.1 The structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal system — Edexcel GCSE Physical Education
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Component 1: 1.1 The structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal system explained
Joints are classified by structure and by the movement they allow.
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A pivot joint between the atlas and axis in the neck allows rotation, so a boxer can turn the head. A hinge joint at the elbow, knee and ankle allows flexion and extension in one plane, so a biceps curl or a knee drive in running uses hinge action. A ball and socket joint at the hip and shoulder allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction, giving a swimmer or thrower a wide range of movement. A condyloid joint at the wrist allows flexion, extension, abduction and adduction but not rotation, so a badminton player can angle the racket. In an MCQ, match the joint type to its location and to the movements it permits, and reject options that give a hinge joint rotation or a condyloid joint full circumduction.
Your focus
- Classify joints as pivot, hinge, ball and socket or condyloid.
- Identify the location of each joint type in the body.
- Explain how joint type affects the range of movement in a sporting action.
Component 1: 1.1 The structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal system exam tips
Marking Points
- Pivot joint at the neck between atlas and axis allows rotation of the head.
- Hinge joints at the elbow, knee and ankle allow flexion and extension in one plane.
- Ball and socket joints at the hip and shoulder allow a wide range including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction.
- Condyloid joint at the wrist allows flexion, extension, abduction and adduction but not rotation.
- The structure of a joint determines its range of movement, which affects sporting technique and performance.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Name the joint and its bones before choosing the movement it allows.
- 💡Use a sporting action to test the option, such as a head turn for rotation.
- 💡Reject options that list movements the joint structure cannot produce.
Common Mistakes
- Giving a hinge joint rotation: hinge joints allow only flexion and extension.
- Saying the wrist is a ball and socket joint: it is condyloid, allowing two planes of movement but no rotation.
- Confusing the pivot joint location: it is in the neck between atlas and axis, not the elbow.
- Assuming all joints allow the same range: structure limits movement, so a hinge joint cannot circumduct.