The Skeleton
Name the rigid framework that supports the body and protects organs.
• Skeleton / skeletal system
What type of joint is found at the knee?
• Hinge joint
What are muscles called that contract to produce movement?
• Agonist muscles
Which law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction?
• Newton's Third Law
• Action and reaction forces
• Equal and opposite
What do we call the drive or desire to succeed in sport?
• Motivation
In Japan, what is the traditional garment worn with an obi?
• Kimono
• Traditional Japanese clothing
What is the main function of the vertebral column?
• Supports the body
• Protects the spinal cord
What type of joint is the shoulder and provide one characteristic?
• Ball-and-socket joint
• Large range of movement
Which muscle is the main agonist during elbow flexion?
• Biceps brachii
• Main elbow flexor
What is balance in biomechanics?
• ability to stay stable
• keeping the body under control
• maintain centre of mass over the base of support
What is arousal in sport?
• Physical and mental readiness
• Alertness before performance
In Mexico, what festival honours deceased loved ones with ofrendas and marigolds?
• Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead
• Mexican celebration
• Honours deceased loved ones
Which part of the skeleton includes the skull, ribs and vertebral column?
• Axial skeleton
• Includes skull, ribs, vertebral column
• Central axis of the body
Name one movement possible at a hinge joint.
• Flexion
• Extension
• Either is acceptable
What is the role of the antagonist muscle in movement?
• Opposes the agonist
• Lengthens or relaxes
• Helps control movement
What is force in biomechanics and what can it do to motion?
a push or a pull
can change motion
can change shape or direction
Name the type of goal that focuses on achieving a specific standard of performance, such as beating a personal best.
• Performance goal
• Focuses on a result or standard
• Example: beat a personal best
In India, what Festival of Lights often includes diyas, rangoli and sweets?
• Diwali
• Festival of Lights
• Celebrated with lamps, decorations and sweets
Explain one difference between the axial and appendicular skeleton.
• Axial = central body
• Appendicular = limbs and girdles
• Appendicular mainly helps movement
Why is the shoulder more mobile but less stable than the hip?
• Greater range of motion
• Less stability than the hip
• Higher injury/dislocation risk
During a biceps curl, identify the agonist and antagonist.
• Agonist = biceps
• Antagonist = triceps
• Biceps shortens while triceps relaxes
Why does bending the knees when landing reduce the force on the body (3 bullet points)?
• Bending knees increases contact time
• Longer stopping time lowers force
• Helps absorb impact more safely
How can positive self-talk improve sports performance?
• Builds confidence
• Improves focus
• Reduces negative thoughts/anxiety
In Scotland, what does tartan often represent besides a pattern?
• Linked to Scottish identity
• Often connected with clans or families
• Important symbol of heritage
A player suffers a fractured rib. Explain one likely problem this injury could cause besides pain.
• Breathing may become harder
• Ribs help protect the lungs
• Chest movement can be painful/restricted
• Can affect comfort and performance
Compare a hinge joint and a ball-and-socket joint in terms of movement, provide an example of a joint in the body and a sporting example.
• Hinge joint = one main plane
• Ball-and-socket = many directions
• Hinge example: knee in running/kicking
• Ball-and-socket example: shoulder in throwing/swimming
Explain how muscles work together in pairs to create movement (3 bullet points), using a sporting example (4 marks in total).
• Muscles work in antagonistic pairs
• One contracts while the other relaxes
• Muscles pull, not push
• Example: kicking uses quadriceps and hamstrings
A sprinter pushes harder backward against the blocks. Explain how this affects their forward motion using biomechanics.
• Harder backward push on the blocks
• Greater forward reaction force
• Better acceleration out of the blocks
• Explained by Newton's Third Law
An athlete performs well in training but poorly in finals because of nerves. Explain this using arousal or anxiety theory (4 bullet points).
• May be over-aroused / too anxious
• Pressure can create muscle tension
• Decision-making and coordination may drop
• Performance falls despite strong training
In China, why are red envelopes given during Lunar New Year?
• To wish good luck
• To share prosperity for the new year
• Usually contain money
• Red symbolises luck and happiness