Applied Anatomy and Physiology — AQA GCSE Physical Education
This unit covers the body systems that allow us to move and exercise: the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, plus the effects of exercise.
The skeletal system
The skeleton provides:
- Support and shape, protection of organs, movement (acting as levers with muscles), structural support and blood cell production (in bone marrow).
Joints allow movement. Synovial joints (e.g. hinge at the elbow/knee, ball and socket at the hip/shoulder) allow different ranges of movement. Movements include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction. Connective tissues: ligaments join bone to bone; tendons join muscle to bone; cartilage cushions joints.
The muscular system
Major muscles include the biceps, triceps, deltoid, pectorals, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, abdominals, gluteals, latissimus dorsi and trapezius.
Muscles work in antagonistic pairs — one contracts (agonist) while the other relaxes (antagonist) — for example, the biceps and triceps at the elbow.
The cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- The cardiovascular system (heart, blood, vessels) transports oxygen and nutrients and removes waste. Key terms: heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output (cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume).
- The respiratory system brings oxygen in and removes carbon dioxide through gaseous exchange in the alveoli. Key terms: breathing rate, tidal volume and the mechanics of breathing.
Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
- Aerobic exercise — with oxygen, for lower-intensity, longer-duration activity.
- Anaerobic exercise — without enough oxygen, for short, high-intensity activity, producing lactic acid.
Effects of exercise
- Short-term effects — increased heart rate, breathing rate and temperature; muscle fatigue.
- Long-term effects (training adaptations) — a stronger heart (hypertrophy), lower resting heart rate, increased stroke volume, stronger muscles and bones, and improved stamina.
Exam tips
- Learn the functions of the skeleton and types of joint and movement.
- Muscles work in antagonistic pairs (agonist/antagonist) — use the biceps/triceps example.
- Know cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume.
- Distinguish short-term effects from long-term training adaptations.