Try these questions on the muscular system.

Have a go at answering these exam style questions. Say the answers to yourself or write them down before you check the answer.

Then when you are ready, why not take the multiple choice challenge?

With the multiple choice challenge you can test your knowledge on this topic and every other topic in your GCSE PE exam.

It’s the ultimate way to revise and prepare for your tests and your internal and external exams!

The latissimus dorsi are large, flat muscles located in the back.

  1. Shoulder Extension: The latissimus dorsi are responsible for pulling the upper arm downward and backward, such as in activities like pulling down a bar during a lat pulldown exercise.
  2. Adduction of the Arm: This muscle assists in bringing the arm closer to the body, as in activities like rowing or climbing.

The deltoids are a group of three distinct muscles located at the top of each shoulder. 

  1. Shoulder Abduction: This is the primary function of the deltoids. It involves lifting the arm away from the body, such as when you raise your arm to the side.

  2. Shoulder Flexion: The anterior (front) part of the deltoid assists in raising the arm forward, as in reaching forward to make an interception in netball.

  3. Shoulder Extension: The posterior (back) part of the deltoid helps in moving the arm backward, as in activities like throwing a ball.

The rotator cuffs are a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling rotation of the arm.

The pectoral muscles are located in the chest area.

The biceps are located in the upper arm.

The triceps are located at the back of the upper arm and are responsible for straightening the arm, by extending the elbow.

The abdominal muscles are located in the front of the abdomen, forming the “six-pack” area.

The hip flexors are a group of muscles located in the front of the hip region. They enable flexion at the hip joint.

The gluteals are located in the buttocks. They are responsible for hip extension and provide stability when standing.

The hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh and are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip.

The quadriceps are located at the front of the thigh.

The gastrocnemius is the large calf muscle located at the back of the lower leg. It is responsible for plantar flexion of the foot.

The tibialis anterior is a muscle located in the front of the lower leg. It is responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot.

Tendons are tough, fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. They enable the transfer of force from the muscles to the bones, allowing movement.

Extension means increasing the angle at a joint. For example, straightening your arm from a bent position is an example of extension at the elbow.

A sporting example of extension at the elbow is a tennis player performing a backhand stroke.

A sporting example of flexion at the hip is a football player kicking a ball.

A hurdler extends the hip of their trailing leg while clearing a hurdle.

A skier flexes at the knee while going into a deep squat position.

A basketball player entends at the knee when jumping for a dunk.

Abduction means moving a limb (arm or leg) away from the midline of the body.

Abduction takes place at a swimmer’s shoulder during the butterfly stroke.

Test your kowledge on this topic and every other topic in your GCSE PE exam in the multiple choice challenge.

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