The Skeletal System

What The Skeletal System covers

The Skeletal System is examined in Unit A2 2, The Application of Science to Sports Performance. It covers structure and functions of the skeleton, synovial joint structure and types, flexion, extension, abduction and adduction and joint actions of the ankle, forearm and shoulder girdle.

The 4 subtopics

Each one has its own page.

• Structure and functions of the skeletonThe number of bones, axial and appendicular skeletons, the vertebral column, bone types and the patella, the functions of the skeleton, blood cell production, minerals and the structure of a long bone.Open →
• Synovial joint structure and typesJoint classification, the capsule, synovial membrane and fluid, ligaments, bursae, menisci and cartilage, and ball and socket, hinge, pivot, saddle, gliding and condyloid joints.Open →
• Flexion, extension, abduction and adductionFlexion, extension and hyperextension, abduction, adduction, circumduction and rotation, planes of movement, and joint actions in hurdling, kicking, squats, pull-ups and biceps curls.Open →
• Joint actions of the ankle, forearm and shoulder girdlePlantar flexion and dorsiflexion, pronation and supination, inversion and eversion, elevation and depression of the shoulder girdle, and analysing sprinting, chest passes and vertical jumps.Open →

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Take The Skeletal System further

The same content, four other ways.

Commonly confused

Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.

• Flexion vs Extension

  Flexion: a decrease in the angle at a joint. Extension: an increase in the angle at a joint.

• Abduction vs Adduction

  Abduction: limb movement away from the midline of the body. Adduction: limb movement towards the midline of the body.

• Plantar flexion vs Dorsiflexion

  Plantar flexion: pointing the toes away from the shin. Dorsiflexion: pulling the toes up towards the shin.

Questions from this topic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How many bones make up the adult human skeleton?

   Model answer

   The adult skeleton has 206 bones. The bones are grouped into the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

2. 2

   Which bones form the axial skeleton?

   Model answer

   The axial skeleton is made up of the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum. The axial skeleton forms the central axis of the body and protects the vital organs.

3. 3

   Which bones form the appendicular skeleton?

   Model answer

   The appendicular skeleton is made up of the bones of the arms and legs and the shoulder and pelvic girdles. The girdles attach the limbs to the axial skeleton.

4. 4

   State the five regions of the vertebral column and the number of vertebrae in each.

   Model answer

   The vertebral column has 7 cervical, 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The sacrum is 5 fused vertebrae and the coccyx is about 4 fused vertebrae.

5. 5

   What is the role of long bones in sport?

   Model answer

   Long bones act as levers, allowing large and fast movements of the limbs. The femur and humerus are long bones.

6. 6

   Why are short bones such as the carpals and tarsals suited to their role?

   Model answer

   Short bones are small, strong and roughly cube-shaped. Short bones bear weight and allow stable, finely controlled movement at the wrist and ankle.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

The Skeletal System revision questions

What does The Skeletal System cover in CCEA A-Level Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry?

4 subtopics: structure and functions of the skeleton, synovial joint structure and types, flexion, extension, abduction and adduction and joint actions of the ankle, forearm and shoulder girdle. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.

How is The Skeletal System organised?

By the CCEA 7210 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.