Musculoskeletal System: Bones, Joints and Muscles
The skeletal system is the framework of bones and cartilage that supports the body, and the muscular system is the tissue that pulls on the skeleton to create movement.
Before you start
No specific prerequisites - this is a good place to start.
Method
- Learn to name each bone precisely using its correct anatomical term, not a general description - identify or state questions carry no credit for a vague description.
- Learn the five functions of the skeleton with a specific example for each: support, protection, movement, blood cell production and mineral storage.
- Learn the major skeletal muscles used at GCSE (e.g. deltoid, biceps, triceps, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, abdominals, gluteus maximus, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, hip flexors) and which joint or movement each one produces.
- Learn the concept of antagonistic muscle action: the agonist (prime mover) contracts concentrically to cause the movement, the antagonist relaxes and lengthens to let the movement happen, and a fixator holds a bone or joint steady so the agonist has a stable base to pull from.
- For describe questions, name the structure and add the specific detail the question asks for, such as its location or its precise action.
- For explain questions, always link the anatomical fact to an effect on performance, e.g. 'which allows the joint to...' or 'meaning the performer can...'.
- For 6- or 9-mark analyse or evaluate questions, plan a named sporting movement, identify each bone, joint and muscle involved in order, describe the action of each, and finish with a judgement linking the anatomy back to performance.
Worked example
A basketball player performs a chest pass. Using your knowledge of the muscular system, identify the agonist, the antagonist and the joint action at the elbow during the pushing phase of the pass.
- Identify the joint being used: the elbow.
- Identify the movement at the elbow during the push: extension, since the arm straightens.
- Identify the agonist for elbow extension: the triceps brachii, as it is the muscle contracting concentrically to straighten the arm.
- Identify the antagonist: the biceps brachii, since it must relax and lengthen to allow the triceps to shorten and extend the elbow.
- State the full answer: agonist = triceps brachii, antagonist = biceps brachii, joint action = extension.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Name the bone that protects the brain.Show answer
Answer: The cranium.
Q2State two functions of the skeletal system other than movement.Show answer
Answer: Protection of vital organs and production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow (mineral storage is also acceptable).
Q3Name the bone found in the lower leg, on the outside (lateral side) of the tibia.Show answer
Answer: The fibula.
Q4Identify the agonist and antagonist muscle pair that works at the knee joint.Show answer
Answer: The quadriceps and the hamstrings, with one acting as agonist and the other as antagonist depending on whether the knee is extending or flexing.
Q5What is the role of a fixator muscle?Show answer
Answer: It stabilises one part of the body, such as a bone or joint, so that the agonist has a firm, fixed base to pull against.
Q6Name the muscle that forms an antagonistic pair with the tibialis anterior at the ankle.Show answer
Answer: The gastrocnemius.
Q7A gymnast holds a handstand. What keeps the shoulder joint stable while other muscles work to maintain balance?Show answer
Answer: A fixator muscle around the shoulder girdle, for example the trapezius, holding the scapula steady.
Q8State the muscle mainly responsible for flexion at the hip.Show answer
Answer: The iliopsoas (hip flexors).
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a GCSE Physical Education exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Explain how the skeletal system helps a rugby prop forward during a scrum.
Show mark scheme
Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
Nothing ticked yet - 4 available
Using an example of a sporting technique of your choice, analyse the roles of the agonist, antagonist and fixator muscles during the movement.
Show mark scheme
Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
Nothing ticked yet - 9 available
See real GCSE Physical Education past-paper questions, with official mark schemes →
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints and muscles worksheet pack - 11 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
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