What does the skeleton do for a performer, and how do bones and joints allow movement?
The functions of the skeleton, the classification of bones, the structure of a synovial joint, the types of joint and the movement they allow, and the role of the skeleton in physical activity and sport.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on the skeletal system: the functions of the skeleton, the major bones, the structure of a synovial joint, the types of synovial joint, the movements they allow, and how the skeleton supports performance in sport.
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What this dot point is asking
OCR wants you to state the functions of the skeleton, recognise the major bones, describe the structure of a synovial joint, classify joints by the movement they allow, and link the skeleton to performance in physical activity and sport.
The functions of the skeleton
In sport these functions matter directly. Protection lets a rugby player take a tackle without breaking ribs. Blood cell production keeps an endurance athlete supplied with red blood cells to carry oxygen, and white blood cells to fight infection. Movement and muscle attachment are the basis of every sporting action, because muscles cannot move the body without bones to pull on.
The major bones
You should recognise the location of the main bones: the cranium (skull), clavicle (collar bone), scapula (shoulder blade), humerus (upper arm), radius and ulna (forearm), vertebrae (spine), pelvis, femur (thigh, the longest bone), patella (knee cap), tibia and fibula (lower leg), plus the bones of the hands and feet. OCR questions often ask you to name the bone that meets another bone at a named joint, so learn which bones form each joint.
The structure of a synovial joint
A synovial joint has several features that work together to allow smooth, protected movement:
- Joint capsule: a tough sleeve that encloses and holds the joint together.
- Synovial membrane: lines the capsule and releases synovial fluid.
- Synovial fluid: lubricates the joint, reducing friction between the bones so they move smoothly.
- Cartilage: smooth tissue covering the bone ends, which reduces friction and absorbs shock.
- Ligaments: join bone to bone, holding the joint stable and limiting unwanted movement.
- Tendons: join muscle to bone, transmitting the pull of the muscle to move the joint.
- Bursae: small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint and reduce friction.
Types of synovial joint and the movement they allow
The movement terms you must use are: flexion (bending a joint, decreasing the angle, as when you bend your elbow during a biceps curl), extension (straightening a joint, increasing the angle, as when you straighten your knee to stand), abduction (moving a limb away from the midline, as when you raise your arm sideways), adduction (moving a limb back towards the midline), rotation (turning a limb around its axis, as in a tennis serve), and at the ankle plantar flexion (pointing the toes) and dorsiflexion (pulling the toes up).
The skeleton in physical activity
A performer relies on the skeleton for movement, protection and stability. Strong bones (helped by weight-bearing exercise, which increases bone density) reduce the risk of fracture, and healthy joints with good range of movement allow techniques such as a full shoulder rotation in a swimming stroke. Poor joint flexibility limits performance and increases injury risk, which links the skeleton to flexibility training and warming up.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of OCR exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
OCR 20184 marksIdentify two functions of the skeleton and, for each, explain how it helps a games player such as a netball player perform.Show worked answer →
A Component 01 application question. Award one mark for each correctly named function and one for a relevant link to performance, up to four marks.
Choose any two of: protection (the cranium protects the brain and the ribs protect the heart and lungs, so a netballer can take contact without serious injury); support and shape (the skeleton holds the body upright, giving a stable posture to jump and shoot); movement (bones act as levers that muscles pull on, allowing the player to run, jump and pass); muscle attachment (muscles attach to bones at tendons so they can move the body); blood cell production (red and white blood cells are made in the bone marrow, supplying oxygen-carrying cells for endurance and white cells to fight infection); mineral storage (calcium and phosphorus are stored to keep bones strong).
Markers reward a clear link to the named sport, not just the function on its own. Naming "movement" earns the function mark; "so the player can sprint into space to receive a pass" earns the application mark.
OCR 20213 marksDescribe the structure of a synovial joint and explain the role of synovial fluid during exercise.Show worked answer →
A 3-mark structured question testing joint structure and one named feature in context.
Award marks for naming the parts: the joint capsule encloses the joint; the synovial membrane lines the capsule and releases synovial fluid; cartilage covers the ends of the bones; ligaments join bone to bone for stability; the bursae are fluid sacs that reduce friction.
For the synovial fluid mark: it lubricates the joint, reducing friction between the cartilage surfaces so the bones move smoothly and the joint is protected during repeated movement such as a runner's stride.
Related dot points
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A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on preventing injury: the ways to minimise injury risk (technique, equipment, warming up, appropriate intensity, rules and screening), common sporting injuries, the role of personal protective equipment, and how overuse and acute injuries differ.
Sources & how we know this
- OCR GCSE (9-1) Physical Education J587 specification — OCR (2016)