Muscular System

    WJEC
    GCSE

    Candidates must demonstrate detailed knowledge of the structural composition and functional characteristics of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle, with specific emphasis on fibre type classification (Type I, IIa, IIx). Analysis of antagonistic muscle pairs during specific sporting movements is required, necessitating the accurate identification of agonist, antagonist, fixator, and synergist roles within the context of planes and axes. Responses must evaluate the physiological mechanisms of muscle contraction via the sliding filament theory and the impact of long-term training adaptations such as hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

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    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise anatomical terminology; colloquial terms (e.g., 'calf', 'pecs') are not creditworthy.
    • Credit identification of the agonist, antagonist, and fixator roles within a specific sporting movement context.
    • Responses must distinguish between isotonic concentric (shortening) and isotonic eccentric (lengthening) contractions under load.
    • Analysis of muscle fibre types must link physiological characteristics (e.g., mitochondrial density, contraction speed) to specific sporting demands.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "Use standard anatomical terminology; avoid colloquialisms like 'bicep' without 'brachii' where specific differentiation is needed."
    • "You identified the muscle correctly, but failed to explain its role as a fixator in this specific movement."
    • "Your analysis of the downward phase is incorrect; remember the agonist lengthens under tension (eccentric)."
    • "Link the characteristics of Type IIx fibres explicitly to the anaerobic energy demands of the example sport."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise anatomical terminology; colloquial terms (e.g., 'calf', 'pecs') are not creditworthy.
    • Credit identification of the agonist, antagonist, and fixator roles within a specific sporting movement context.
    • Responses must distinguish between isotonic concentric (shortening) and isotonic eccentric (lengthening) contractions under load.
    • Analysis of muscle fibre types must link physiological characteristics (e.g., mitochondrial density, contraction speed) to specific sporting demands.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When analysing movement, explicitly state the joint, the movement type, and the acting muscle to secure full marks.
    • 💡Memorise the specific location of the Rotator Cuff muscles as a collective group for shoulder stability questions.
    • 💡Ensure the distinction between the upward (concentric) and downward (eccentric) phases of resistance exercises is clear.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the agonist and antagonist during the eccentric phase of a movement (e.g., downward phase of a bicep curl).
    • Failing to distinguish between Type IIa (Fast Oxidative Glycolytic) and Type IIx (Fast Glycolytic) fibres.
    • Describing isometric contractions as 'no work done' rather than 'tension created with no change in muscle length'.
    • Inaccurate spelling of complex muscle names such as 'Sternocleidomastoid' or 'Gastrocnemius'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Antagonistic Muscle Action & Co-ordination
    Sliding Filament Theory & Excitation-Contraction Coupling
    Muscle Fibre Types (I, IIa, IIx) & Recruitment
    Types of Contraction (Isometric, Isotonic, Isokinetic)

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Analyse
    Justify

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