Skeletal System

    WJEC
    GCSE

    The skeletal system serves as the fundamental structural framework for human movement, providing leverage, protection, and support essential for athletic performance. Candidates must demonstrate precise knowledge of the axial and appendicular skeletons, the classification of joints, and the specific mechanics of synovial joint structures. Assessment necessitates the application of anatomical understanding to movement analysis, requiring candidates to deconstruct sporting actions by identifying articulating bones, joint types, and the resultant movement patterns in specific planes and axes. Mastery involves evaluating the relationship between skeletal characteristics and biomechanical efficiency.

    0
    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award AO1 marks for precise anatomical terminology; 'thigh bone' or 'collar bone' are rejected in favor of 'femur' and 'clavicle'.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the function of the skeleton (e.g., protection) to a specific risk in the named sport (e.g., cranium protecting the brain in boxing) rather than generic statements.
    • For synovial joints, candidates must identify specific components (e.g., articular cartilage, synovial fluid) and explain their mechanical role (shock absorption, lubrication) to gain full marks.
    • In movement analysis questions, award marks for the correct identification of the joint, the type of joint, and the specific movement occurring (e.g., 'Hinge joint at the knee allowing flexion').

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified the bone correctly. To improve, explicitly state the type of joint and the range of movement it allows."
    • "Your definition of 'flexion' is correct. Now apply this to the specific phase of the kick shown in the diagram to secure AO2 marks."
    • "Avoid generic terms like 'strong bones'. Use specific functions like 'protection of vital organs' or 'muscle attachment points' for leverage."
    • "You listed the functions of the skeleton. To reach higher bands, explain how the 'production of blood cells' specifically aids an endurance athlete's oxygen transport."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award AO1 marks for precise anatomical terminology; 'thigh bone' or 'collar bone' are rejected in favor of 'femur' and 'clavicle'.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link the function of the skeleton (e.g., protection) to a specific risk in the named sport (e.g., cranium protecting the brain in boxing) rather than generic statements.
    • For synovial joints, candidates must identify specific components (e.g., articular cartilage, synovial fluid) and explain their mechanical role (shock absorption, lubrication) to gain full marks.
    • In movement analysis questions, award marks for the correct identification of the joint, the type of joint, and the specific movement occurring (e.g., 'Hinge joint at the knee allowing flexion').

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When asked to 'Explain' a function, use the 'State, Explain, Apply' structure: State the function (protection), Explain the mechanism (flat bones cover organs), Apply to the sport (ribs protect lungs during a tackle).
    • 💡Memorize the articulating bones for major joints; examiners often ask for the specific bones at the elbow (humerus, radius, ulna) or knee (femur, tibia).
    • 💡In 6-mark extended writing questions regarding movement analysis, structure the answer chronologically through the phases of the skill (preparation, execution, recovery) to ensure logical flow.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'ligaments' (bone to bone/stability) with 'tendons' (muscle to bone/force transmission) in structural descriptions.
    • Using lay terms like 'bending' or 'straightening' instead of the required biomechanical terms 'flexion' and 'extension'.
    • Failing to distinguish between the axial and appendicular skeleton when classifying bones, leading to errors in multiple-choice sections.
    • Describing the movement of the limb rather than the movement at the joint (e.g., saying 'leg moves back' instead of 'flexion at the knee').

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Structure and Function of the Skeleton
    Synovial Joint Structure and Classification
    Movement Analysis (Planes, Axes, and Joint Actions)

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Analyse
    Justify

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