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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 44

Describe TWO ways muscle pairs work together to produce safe movement.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed
  • Co-contraction provides joint stability
  • Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances
  • Coordinated action produces smooth movement
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Sample Answer

  • Agonist/antagonist relationship controls movement speed
  • Co-contraction provides joint stability
  • Balanced strength prevents muscle imbalances
  • Coordinated action produces smooth movement

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 37

Describe TWO characteristics and functions of fast twitch muscle fibres.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Fast twitch fibres have fewer mitochondria compared to slow twitch fibres
  • They rely primarily on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production
  • They are capable of producing greater force in a shorter time period
  • They fatigue more quickly than slow twitch fibres due to their energy system reliance
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Sample Answer

  • Fast twitch fibres have fewer mitochondria compared to slow twitch fibres
  • They rely primarily on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production
  • They are capable of producing greater force in a shorter time period
  • They fatigue more quickly than slow twitch fibres due to their energy system reliance

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 36

Explain the relationship between muscle fibre types and the production of movement.  (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Structural Characteristics

  • Type I fibres have more mitochondria and are smaller in diameter, allowing them to contract steadily but with less force, making them suited for postural control and sustained movements.

  • Type II fibres are larger in diameter with fewer mitochondria, enabling them to contract quickly and produce greater force for powerful movements like jumping or lifting.

Production of movement

  • These fibre types work together but are recruited differently.

    • Type I fibres are recruited first for basic movements and maintaining posture.

    • When more force is required, Type II fibres are recruited to produce more powerful movements.

  • This relationship between fibre types allows for a range of movement capabilities, from maintaining balance to producing explosive actions.

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Sample Answer

Structural Characteristics

  • Type I fibres have more mitochondria and are smaller in diameter, allowing them to contract steadily but with less force, making them suited for postural control and sustained movements.

  • Type II fibres are larger in diameter with fewer mitochondria, enabling them to contract quickly and produce greater force for powerful movements like jumping or lifting.

Production of movement

  • These fibre types work together but are recruited differently.

    • Type I fibres are recruited first for basic movements and maintaining posture.

    • When more force is required, Type II fibres are recruited to produce more powerful movements.

  • This relationship between fibre types allows for a range of movement capabilities, from maintaining balance to producing explosive actions.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 35

Compare the basic characteristics of fast and slow twitch muscle fibres.  (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Contrasts in fibre size/diameter
  • Differences in mitochondrial density
  • Variations in capillary network
  • Differences in contraction speed capabilities
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Sample Answer

  • Contrasts in fiber size/diameter
  • Differences in mitochondrial density
  • Variations in capillary network
  • Differences in contraction speed capabilities

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 34

Outline TWO structural characteristics of slow twitch muscle fibres.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • High number of mitochondria
  • Extensive capillary network
  • High myoglobin content
  • Smaller in diameter than fast twitch fibres
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Sample Answer

  • High number of mitochondria
  • Extensive capillary network
  • High myoglobin content
  • Smaller in diameter than fast twitch fibres

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 33 MC

Which statement about Type I (slow twitch) muscle fibres' physiological adaptations is INCORRECT?

  1. They have high oxidative capacity
  2. They produce rapid, powerful contractions
  3. They have high fatigue resistance
  4. They support endurance activities
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Type I (slow twitch) muscle fibres:

  • Are characterised by slower contraction speeds and lower power output compared to Type II fibres.
  • Have excellent fatigue resistance and oxidative capacity for endurance activities.
  • Do not produce rapid, powerful contractions – this is a characteristic of Type II (fast twitch) muscle fibres.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 32 MC

Which characteristic best describes Type IIb (fast twitch) muscle fibres?

  1. High mitochondrial density
  2. Slow contraction speed
  3. Rapid force production
  4. High fatigue resistance
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Considering all Options:

A. High mitochondrial density – INCORRECT

  • This is actually a characteristic of Type I (slow twitch) fibres
  • Type IIb fibres have relatively low mitochondrial density
  • This feature wouldn’t support their primary function of rapid force production

B. Slow contraction speed – INCORRECT

  • This is the opposite of Type IIb fibre characteristics
  • Type IIb fibres have fast contraction speeds
  • This is a characteristic of Type I (slow twitch) fibres

C. Rapid force production – CORRECT

  • Type IIb (fast twitch) muscle fibres are characterised by their ability to produce rapid, powerful contractions.
  • This is their primary distinguishing characteristic and function within the muscular system.

D. High fatigue resistance – INCORRECT

  • Type IIb fibres fatigue quickly
  • High fatigue resistance is a characteristic of Type I (slow twitch) fibres
  • Type IIb fibres’ rapid force production capability means they tire quickly

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 31

Analyse the role of major muscles in performing a deadlift.
  

In your response, identify the types of muscle contractions occurring and explain how these muscles work together to execute the movement safely.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The deadlift requires coordinated action of multiple major muscle groups working through different types of contractions.
  • The erector spinae muscles contract isometrically to maintain spinal position throughout the movement, while the gluteus maximus and hamstrings contract concentrically during the lifting phase to extend the hips.
  • The quadriceps simultaneously contract to extend the knees, while the gastrocnemius and soleus provide stability at the ankle joint.
  • During the lowering phase, these same muscles work eccentrically to control the descent of the weight.
  • The effectiveness and safety of the lift depends on the synchronised timing of these muscle actions, with core muscles including the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis maintaining stability throughout the movement).
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Sample Answer

  • The deadlift requires coordinated action of multiple major muscle groups working through different types of contractions.
  • The erector spinae muscles contract isometrically to maintain spinal position throughout the movement, while the gluteus maximus and hamstrings contract concentrically during the lifting phase to extend the hips.
  • The quadriceps simultaneously contract to extend the knees, while the gastrocnemius and soleus provide stability at the ankle joint.
  • During the lowering phase, these same muscles work eccentrically to control the descent of the weight.
  • The effectiveness and safety of the lift depends on the synchronised timing of these muscle actions, with core muscles including the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis maintaining stability throughout the movement).

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 30

Explain how the hamstring muscle group and quadriceps work together during a running stride. In your answer, refer to types of muscle contractions.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • During the running stride, the hamstrings and quadriceps demonstrate the antagonistic relationship between muscle groups.
  • As the leg drives forward, the quadriceps contract concentrically to extend the knee while the hamstrings undergo eccentric contraction to control the movement.
  • During the recovery phase, the hamstrings contract concentrically to initiate knee flexion while the quadriceps lengthen eccentrically.
  • This alternating pattern of concentric and eccentric contractions allows for controlled movement and efficient force production throughout the running stride.
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Sample Answer

  • During the running stride, the hamstrings and quadriceps demonstrate the antagonistic relationship between muscle groups.
  • As the leg drives forward, the quadriceps contract concentrically to extend the knee while the hamstrings undergo eccentric contraction to control the movement.
  • During the recovery phase, the hamstrings contract concentrically to initiate knee flexion while the quadriceps lengthen eccentrically.
  • This alternating pattern of concentric and eccentric contractions allows for controlled movement and efficient force production throughout the running stride.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 29

Name THREE major muscles of the upper body and outline their primary functions.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The deltoid abducts the arm at the shoulder.
  • The pectoralis major is responsible for horizontal flexion and internal rotation of the arm.
  • The latissimus dorsi extends and adducts the arm at the shoulder joint.
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Sample Answer

  • The deltoid abducts the arm at the shoulder.
  • The pectoralis major is responsible for horizontal flexion and internal rotation of the arm.
  • The latissimus dorsi extends and adducts the arm at the shoulder joint.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 28 MC

During a push-up, the pectoralis major:

  1. Contracts eccentrically during the downward phase and concentrically during the upward phase.
  2. Contracts concentrically during the downward phase and eccentrically during the upward phase.
  3. Acts as a stabiliser throughout the entire movement.
  4. Works as an antagonist to the deltoid muscle.
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Consider Option A:

  • Lowering (downward phase), the pectoralis major lengthens while controlling the descent (eccentric)
  • Pushing up (upward phase), the pectoralis major shortens to push the body up (concentric)

Other Options:

  • B:  Incorrect because it reverses the contraction types
  • C:  Incorrect because the pectoralis major is a prime mover, not a stabilizer in this movement
  • D:  Incorrect because the pectoralis major and deltoid actually work together as agonists in this movement

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 27 MC

Which pair of muscles work together in an agonist-antagonist relationship?

  1. Deltoid and trapezius
  2. Biceps and gastrocnemius
  3. Triceps and biceps brachii
  4. Quadriceps and deltoid
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Consider Option C:

  • These muscles work in direct opposition at the elbow joint – biceps flexes while triceps extends

Other Options:

  • A:  Incorrect because deltoid and trapezius work in different regions and don’t form an antagonistic pair
  • B:  Incorrect because biceps and gastrocnemius work at different joints (elbow and ankle respectively)
  • D:  Incorrect because quadriceps and deltoid work at different joints (knee and shoulder respectively)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 26 MC

The muscle group indicated in the image below is primarily responsible for:

  1. Hip flexion
  2. Knee extension
  3. Knee flexion
  4. Hip extension
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Consider Option B:

  • The quadriceps (specifically rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius) are the primary knee extensors

Other Options:

  • A:  Incorrect because hip flexion is primarily performed by the iliopsoas
  • C:  Incorrect because knee flexion is performed by the hamstring muscle group
  • D:  Incorrect because hip extension is primarily performed by the gluteus maximus and hamstrings

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 25

A volleyball player performs a spike at the net. Describe the sequence of joint actions that occur at the shoulder and elbow during this movement.  (3 marks)

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Sample answer

  • The volleyball spike begins with the shoulder joint in extension as the arm is drawn back behind the body.
  • As the arm moves forward to contact the ball, the shoulder undergoes flexion while simultaneously the elbow joint moves from flexion to extension.
  • The power generated through this coordinated sequence of joint actions enables the player to strike the ball with force while maintaining control through the movement.
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Sample answer

  • The volleyball spike begins with the shoulder joint in extension as the arm is drawn back behind the body.
  • As the arm moves forward to contact the ball, the shoulder undergoes flexion while simultaneously the elbow joint moves from flexion to extension.
  • The power generated through this coordinated sequence of joint actions enables the player to strike the ball with force while maintaining control through the movement.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 24

Outline how the structure of ball and socket joints enables a greater range of movement than hinge joints. Support your response with examples.  (3 marks)

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Sample answer

  • Ball and socket joints have a rounded head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone which allows movement in multiple planes.
  • Hinge joints primarily allow movement in one plane, however, ball and socket joints permit flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction.
  • For example, the hip joint allows the leg to move in all directions while the hinge joint of the knee only allows flexion and extension, demonstrating how structural differences impact movement capabilities.
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Sample answer

  • Ball and socket joints have a rounded head of one bone fitting into a cup-like socket of another bone which allows movement in multiple planes.
  • Hinge joints primarily allow movement in one plane, however, ball and socket joints permit flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction.
  • For example, the hip joint allows the leg to move in all directions while the hinge joint of the knee only allows flexion and extension, demonstrating how structural differences impact movement capabilities.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 23 MC

During a biceps curl, what occurs at the elbow joint?

  1. The biceps contracts concentrically as the primary agonist
  2. The triceps contracts concentrically as the primary agonist
  3. The biceps and triceps contract simultaneously
  4. The triceps relaxes while the biceps stabilises
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Consider Option A:

  • During the lifting phase of a biceps curl, the biceps muscle shortens (contracts concentrically) while generating force to lift the weight
  • The biceps is the primary agonist (prime mover) in elbow flexion
  • As the agonist, it is responsible for producing the desired movement against gravity
  • The triceps (antagonist) relaxes during this phase through reciprocal inhibition.

The other options are incorrect because:
B: The triceps extends the elbow – it is not the agonist during a curl
C: The biceps and triceps don’t contract simultaneously due to reciprocal inhibition
D: This reverses the roles – the triceps relaxes but the biceps contracts rather than stabilises

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 22

Analyse how the coordination of joint actions at the hip, knee and ankle contributes to the generation of power in a vertical jump. Use biomechanical principles in your response.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Vertical jump

  • Begins with simultaneous flexion at the hip, knee and ankle joints, creating a pre-stretch that enables the stretch-shortening cycle to be utilised.
  • The sequential extension of these joints follows a proximal-to-distal sequence
    • Starting with powerful hip extension
    • Followed by knee extension and ankle plantarflexion.
  • This coordinated triple extension allows for optimal force summation through the kinetic chain, maximizing the vertical displacement achieved in the jump.
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Sample Answer

Vertical jump

  • Begins with simultaneous flexion at the hip, knee and ankle joints, creating a pre-stretch that enables the stretch-shortening cycle to be utilised.
  • The sequential extension of these joints follows a proximal-to-distal sequence
    • Starting with powerful hip extension
    • Followed by knee extension and ankle plantarflexion.
  • This coordinated triple extension allows for optimal force summation through the kinetic chain, maximizing the vertical displacement achieved in the jump.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 21

Outline the joint actions that occur at the knee and ankle when performing a squat.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Downward phase

  • Knee joint moves into flexion.
  • Ankle joint performs dorsiflexion.

Upward phase

  • Knee extends.
  • Ankle plantarflexes to return to the starting position.

Joint actions

  • Work together to enable controlled lowering and raising of the body.
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Sample Answer

Downward phase

  • Knee joint moves into flexion.
  • Ankle joint performs dorsiflexion.

Upward phase

  • Knee extends.
  • Ankle plantarflexes to return to the starting position.

Joint actions

  • Work together to enable controlled lowering and raising of the body.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 20 MC

The diagram below shows bones labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4, of the upper limb.

 

Which row correctly lists the bones for 1, 2, 3 and 4?

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1. Clavicle

    • long bone that attaches the shoulder girdle and the vertebral column

2. Humerus

    • long bone in upper arm joining the elbow to the shoulder

3. Ulna

    • longest bone in the forearm on the little finger side

4. Metacarpals

    • long bones in hand between the carpals and phalanges

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 19

Evaluate how the structural differences between the hip joint and shoulder joint reflect their contrasting functional requirements in human movement.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • While both are ball and socket joints, their structural differences reflect their specialised roles.
  • The hip joint prioritises stability with a deeper socket (acetabulum) and strong ligamentous support to bear body weight and maintain upright posture.
  • In contrast, the shoulder’s shallower glenoid cavity and more flexible capsule enables greater mobility for reaching and manipulation tasks, though this comes at the cost of reduced stability.
  • These structural adaptations demonstrate how joint architecture is optimised for function, with the hip favoring stability for weight-bearing and the shoulder prioritising mobility for upper limb movements.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • While both are ball and socket joints, their structural differences reflect their specialised roles.
  • The hip joint prioritises stability with a deeper socket (acetabulum) and strong ligamentous support to bear body weight and maintain upright posture.
  • In contrast, the shoulder’s shallower glenoid cavity and more flexible capsule enables greater mobility for reaching and manipulation tasks, though this comes at the cost of reduced stability.
  • These structural adaptations demonstrate how joint architecture is optimised for function, with the hip favoring stability for weight-bearing and the shoulder prioritising mobility for upper limb movements.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 18

Using an example from the shoulder girdle, explain how the arrangement of bones and joints allows for effective throwing movements.   (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Shoulder girdle arrangement features:

  • Clavicle connects to sternum
  • Scapula connects to humerus

Movement capabilities:

  • Sternoclavicular joint enables:
    • Clavicle elevation
    • Clavicle rotation
  • Scapula moves freely on rib cage

Combined joint actions:

  • Glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint
  • Allows throwing movements through:
    • Arm elevation
    • Rotation
    • Follow-through
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Sample Answer

Shoulder girdle arrangement features:

  • Clavicle connects to sternum
  • Scapula connects to humerus

Movement capabilities:

  • Sternoclavicular joint enables:
    • Clavicle elevation
    • Clavicle rotation
  • Scapula moves freely on rib cage

Combined joint actions:

  • Glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint
  • Allows throwing movements through:
    • Arm elevation
    • Rotation
    • Follow-through

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 17

Outline THREE types of synovial joints in the human body and provide an example of where each is located.  (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • The hinge joint allows movement in one plane, like flexion and extension, and can be found at the elbow.
  • The ball and socket joint allows movement in all planes and is found at the shoulder.
  • The pivot joint allows rotational movement and is found at the atlas and axis vertebrae in the neck.
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Sample Answer

  • The hinge joint allows movement in one plane, like flexion and extension, and can be found at the elbow.
  • The ball and socket joint allows movement in all planes and is found at the shoulder.
  • The pivot joint allows rotational movement and is found at the atlas and axis vertebrae in the neck.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 16 MC

Which sequence correctly describes the quadriceps muscle action and knee joint movement when performing a squat?

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During a squat, the quadriceps undergoes three distinct phases of contraction:

Descent phase:

  • Eccentric contraction – muscle lengthens under tension to control downward movement

Bottom position:

  • Isometric contraction – muscle length remains constant to maintain position

Ascent phase:

  • Concentric contraction – muscle shortens to produce force for upward movement against gravity

This sequence enables controlled movement throughout the entire squat pattern while managing forces at each phase.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 15 MC

Which type of muscular contraction is occurring in the quadriceps when descending into a squat?

  1. Isometric contraction
  2. Eccentric contraction
  3. Concentric contraction
  4. Dynamic contraction
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Show Worked Solution

During the descent phase of a squat

  • quadriceps muscle lengthens under tension to control the downward movement against gravity
  • controlled lengthening of the muscle while under load is called an eccentric contraction.