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Year 10 - Physical education

Joints and their movements

Anatomy and physiology: the musculoskeletal system

Unit Summary

This unit will examine the structure and function of both the skeletal and the muscular systems. It includes locating major bones and muscles before defining and analysing what movements are possible at different joints.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the movements that occur at different types of joints.

Key Notes

  • A hinge joint only allows flexion and extension to occur.
  • A ball and socket joint allows all types of movement.
  • Flexion and extension occur at the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints.
  • Abduction and adduction occur at the shoulder and hip joints.
  • Rotation and circumduction only occur at the shoulder, whilst plantar flexion and dorsiflexion only occur at the ankle.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • flexion: a bending movement around a joint (decreasing the angle)
  • extension: a straightening movement around a joint (increasing the angle)
  • abduction: moving a limb away from the midline of the body
  • adduction: moving a limb towards the midline of the body
  • circumduction: moving a limb in a circular motion

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may mix up rotation and circumduction.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

A hinge joint only allows flexion and extension to occur. A ball and socket joint allows all types of movement.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'flexion'

a bending movement around a joint (decreasing the angle).

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Students may mix up rotation and circumduction. Correction: When you rotate the shoulder joint, you draw a dot with your hand (if the elbow is fully extended) whereas circumduction draws a circle.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Physical education guide library.