Joints

Structure of Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are the most common joint in the body. Because they allow movement to happen, they are usually located where 2 bones meet. Synovial joints have the following features:

Cartilage

Smooth cartilage (tissue) is a protective layer that covers the end of each bone to stop them from rubbing together.

Joint capsule

The joint is surrounded by a joint capsule that is very tough and fibrous.
The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane. This produces an oily substance called synovial fluid.
Synovial fluid keeps joints well lubricated (greased to prevent friction) to stop them wearing down and rubbing together.

Ligaments

The 2 bones in a joint are joined together by ligaments. The ligaments provide strength and keep the bones in place.
Ligaments help to stop the joint from moving too much and help to stop dislocations (bones moving out of their normal position).

Bursae

Synovial joints are also protected by bursae. Bursae are small bags of synovial fluid (oily substance) that help to reduce friction in a joint.
Bursae act like an airbag in a car. They cushion the joint from any external impacts, stopping the bones from coming together.

Hinge Joints

Hinge joints are an important type of freely movable joint. Hinge joints have a limited range of movement, involving flexion (bending) and extension (straightening). Examples of hinge joints include:

Elbow

The hinge joint in the elbow is made up of the humerus (bone in the upper arm), radius and ulna (bones in the forearm).
Lets a person bend (flexion) or straighten (extension) their elbow.
This can be used when taking a shot in basketball.

Knee

The hinge joint in the knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and fibula (calf bone).
Lets a person bend (flexion) or straighten (extension) their knee.
This is used when kicking a football.

Ankle

The hinge joint here is made up of the tibia (shin bone), fibula (calf bone) and talus (ankle bone). This joint allows for different types of movement:
- Plantar flexion: when a person points their toes (e.g. ballet dancers).
- Dorsiflexion: when a person raises their toes upwards.

1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

1.1The Musculoskeletal System

1.1.1Musculoskeletal Structure

1.1.2Structure of the Skeleton

1.1.3Functions of the Skeleton

1.1.4Joints

1.1.5Joints 2

1.1.6Antagonistic Muscle Movement

1.1.7End of Topic Test - The Musculoskeletal System

1.1.8Exam-Style Questions - Musculoskeletal System

1.2The Cardio-Respiratory System

1.2.1Pathway of Air

1.2.2Blood Vessels

1.2.3Blood Vessels 2

1.2.4Structure of the Heart

1.2.5Cardiac Cycle

1.2.6Measures of Heart Performance

1.2.7The Mechanics of Breathing

1.2.8The Mechanics of Breathing 2

1.2.9The Lungs

1.2.10End of Topic Test - The Cardio-Respiratory System

1.2.11Exam-Style Questions - Cardio-Respiratory System

1.3Anaerobic & Aerobic Exercise

1.3.1Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

1.3.2Recovering After Exercise

1.3.3Treatments for Recovery

1.4Short-Term Effects of Exercise

1.4.1Short-Term Effects of Exercise

1.4.2Long-Term Effects of Exercise

2Movement Analysis

2.1Lever Systems

2.1.1Lever Systems

2.1.2Mechanical Advantage

2.1.3Basic Sporting Movements

2.1.4Basic Sporting Movements 2

2.2Planes & Axes of Movement

2.2.1Planes & Axes of Movement

2.2.2End of Topic Test - Movement Analysis

2.2.3Exam-Style Questions - Movement

3Physical Training

3.1Health & Fitness

3.1.1Health & Fitness

3.2The Components of Fitness

3.2.1The Components of Fitness

3.2.2Sports & Fitness

3.2.3Fitness Testing

3.2.4Measuring Agility & Balance

3.2.5Measuring Cardiovascular & Coordination

3.2.6Measuring Endurance & Power

3.2.7Measuring Reaction Time & Strength

3.2.8Measuring Strength, Speed & Flexibility

3.2.9End of Topic Test - The Components of Fitness

3.2.10Exam-Style Questions - Fitness Tests

4The Principles of Training

4.1Principles of Training

4.1.1Principles & Circuit Training

4.1.2Continuous & Fartlek Training

4.1.3Plyometric & Static Training

4.1.4Weight & Interval Training

4.2Optimising Training

4.2.1Optimising Training

4.2.2Altitude & Seasonal Training

4.2.3Warming Up

4.2.4Cooling Down

4.2.5End of Topic Test - Principles & Optimisation

4.2.6Exam-Style Questions - Sport-Specific Fitness

5Using Data

5.1Types of Data

5.1.1Quantitative Data

5.1.2Qualitative Data

5.2Data Presentation & Analysis

5.2.1Data Presentation & Analysis

6Sports Psychology

6.1Skills

6.1.1Skills

6.1.2Skills 2

6.1.3Goals & Targets

6.1.4Skills HyperLearning

6.2Feedback & Preparation

6.2.1Information Processing

6.2.2Guidance

6.2.3Guidance 2

6.2.4Feedback

6.2.5Mental Preparation

6.2.6Controlling & Optimising Arousal

6.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Skills & Guidance

6.3Personality & Behaviour

6.3.1Aggression

6.3.2Motivation

6.3.3Personality Types

6.3.4End of Topic Test - Sports Psychology

6.3.5Exam-Style Questions - Aggression & Motivation

7Socio-cultural Influences

8Health & Fitness

8.1Overview of Health

8.1.1Well-Being & Fitness

8.1.2Types of Health

8.2Sedentary Lifestyles

8.2.1Sedentary Lifestyle

8.2.2Obesity & Performance

8.2.3Somatotypes

8.3Nutrition & Hydration

8.3.1Nutrition

8.3.2Nutrition 2

8.3.3Hydration

8.3.4End of Topic Test - Health & Fitness

8.3.5Exam-Style Questions - Nutrition & Hydration

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