How Joints Differ in Design (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))
Revision Note
Written by: Emma Archbold
Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor
Joint Design
The different types of joint (e.g. hinge or ball and socket) cause movement of the bones at the joint in different ways
This movement is dependent on the way the bones join together at the joint and the way they are connected to each other and muscles via tendons and ligaments
This creates opportunities for different types of movement during sporting activities
Types of joint movement table
Type of joint movement | Description of joint movement | Example of where the joint movement can take place |
|---|---|---|
Flexion | Bending movement decreasing the angle between two bones | Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee |
Extension | Moving a bent limb into a straight position | Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee |
Abduction | Movement of a limb away from the midline of the body at a joint | Shoulder e.g. raising of the arms into a T-pose |
Adduction | Movement of a limb towards the midline of the body at a joint | Shoulder e.g. lowering the arms back against the body |
Rotation | Movement in a circular motion towards or around the long axis of a limb | Shoulder |
Circumduction | Movement in a circular motion combining flexion, extension, adduction and abduction | Shoulder e.g. when spinning the arm during bowling |
Plantar flexion | Pointing of the toes towards the ground | Ankle |
Dorsiflexion | Pulling the toes up away from the ground | Ankle |
Movement at the elbow joint diagram
Movement at the shoulder joint diagram
Movement at the ankle joint diagram
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