A tennis player executes a powerful serve.
Describe how the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems work together to generate power and accuracy in this movement. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
Skeletal system features:
- Provides rigid levers through the arm, shoulder, and spinal joints.
- Joints transfer force from the legs through the kinetic chain to the racquet.
- Rotational capabilities of the shoulder joint enable the wide range of motion.
- A stable base is provide through hip and knee alignment.
Muscular system characteristics:
- Generates force through sequential activation from the ground up.
- This activation maximises power throughout the serve.
- Leg muscles initiate the movement (gastrocnemius, quadriceps)
- Trunk muscles rotate (obliques, erector spinae)
- Arm muscles complete the action (deltoids, triceps, wrist flexors).
- Fast twitch fibres dominate for explosive power.
Nervous system components:
- Timing and sequencing of muscle contractions coordinated through motor units.
- Visual processing for ball and target location.
- Motor neurons activate fast-twitch muscle fibres for explosive power.
- Cerebellar control for smooth multi-joint movement.
Circulatory system functions:
- Increased blood flow to active muscles.
- Localised vasodilation in working areas.
- Oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- This supports the high energy demands of the serve.
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Sample Answer
Skeletal system features:
- Provides rigid levers through the arm, shoulder, and spinal joints.
- Joints transfer force from the legs through the kinetic chain to the racquet.
- Rotational capabilities of the shoulder joint enable the wide range of motion.
- A stable base is provide through hip and knee alignment.
Muscular system characteristics:
- Generates force through sequential activation from the ground up.
- This activation maximises power throughout the serve.
- Leg muscles initiate the movement (gastrocnemius, quadriceps)
- Trunk muscles rotate (obliques, erector spinae)
- Arm muscles complete the action (deltoids, triceps, wrist flexors).
- Fast twitch fibres dominate for explosive power.
Nervous system components:
- Timing and sequencing of muscle contractions coordinated through motor units.
- Visual processing for ball and target location.
- Motor neurons activate fast-twitch muscle fibres for explosive power.
- Cerebellar control for smooth multi-joint movement.
Circulatory system functions:
- Increased blood flow to active muscles.
- Localised vasodilation in working areas.
- Oxygen and nutrient delivery.
- This supports the high energy demands of the serve.