Muscles Within the Body (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))

Latissimus dorsi

• Positioned in the back and is connected to the humerus bone in the arm

• It helps to move the shoulder and the upper arm

• Important in the sport of climbing, for example

Deltoid

• Positioned over the top of the shoulder and helps to raise the arms

Rotator cuffs

• Group of muscles that connect to the upper arm at the shoulder

• They help to rotate and extend the shoulder, for example during bowling in cricket or baseball

Pectorals

• Group of muscles in the front of the chest that connect to the shoulder

• Assist with the movement of the shoulder and the arm bones, for example throwing a ball underhand

Biceps

• Large muscle in the front of the upper arm

• Connects to the lower arm and helps to raise the lower arm causing flexion at the elbow

• This is important during the action of lifting

Triceps

• Large muscle in the back of the upper arm

• Connects to the lower arm and helps to straighten the arm causing extension at the elbow

Abdominals

• Group of muscles located in the lower front of the body between the ribs and the pelvis bones

• Help to stabilise the core of the body and support the internal organs in that area

• Assist with movements such as twisting at the waist, sitting up and bending to the side

Hip flexors

• Group of muscles that connect around the pelvic bone

• Help to raise/lower and rotate the femur of the upper leg

• Important for running, as well as kicking sports such as taekwondo and football

Gluteals

• The muscles of the buttocks

• Positioned around the outside of the back of the pelvis bones

• Help with the movement of the upper leg and knee joint

• They are very important in the sports of cycling and rowing, among others

Hamstring group

• Group of three muscles in the back of the thigh in the upper leg

• They enable flexion of the leg at the knee 

Quadriceps group

• Group of muscles in the front of the thigh in the upper leg

• They straighten the leg causing extension at the knee

• It is important for moving the leg forward, for example during football

Gastrocnemius

• The muscle found in the calf at the back of the lower leg

• It flexes the knee and foot

• Essential for the activities of running and jumping

Tibialis anterior

• Muscle found in the shin at the front of the lower leg

• Helps to draw the foot up at the ankle during walking or running