Sports Challenge by Rhemsey Ajlouny-Pilles How Soccer Affects the Human Body

Functions of the Body System During a Kick in Soccer I have been playing soccer since I was three years old. As I play soccer I have learned about and felt many of the body systems working. The two main systems are the skeletal and muscular. But the other systems play a role too. I am going to demonstrate how systems work as you kick a ball playing soccer.

Muscular System The muscular system is crucial for the four main parts of playing soccer: running, rotating the body, extending the leg, and kicking the ball. Quadriceps: A group of muscles in the front top part of the leg. When kicking the ball the knee is bent/flexed and the hips are extended. When following through with the kick the knee is extended and hips flexed. Hamstrings: These are the muscles are opposite of the quadriceps. They are the muscle group at the top back part of the leg. The hamstring extends the hip and flexes the knee when the leg is brought back before kicking the ball. The hamstring is also important for protecting the leg from over stretching and injury. Glutes: Gluteus Maximus otherwise known as the butt muscles, rotate and extend when kicking the ball. They also rotate the hip joints. Core Muscles: These are the muscles in the upper body including the abdomen. They are used when making a kick because they are light and support the balance of the legs. The core muscles have to be strong because without them the legs will trip and fall.

Muscles for the “kick”

The Skeletal System The skeletal system works along with the muscular system to create movement. It also creates protection for the internal organs. Without bones the muscles would not be supported to kick a ball during soccer. Gliding Joint: This joint is in the ankle. It allows the ball to be held without injuring the foot. Hinge Joint: This joint is in the knee. It’s is important for running. The hinge joint is used for more power and control over the ball.

The Gliding Joint & Hinge Joint

Digestive system The digestive system creates energy by digesting food and turning it into fuel. During soccer the body needs a lot of energy or you'll be exhausted and not be able to move well or fast. With energy you can move like kick the soccer ball. If you also did not have the digestive system your body would store too much food. You could become overweight, not be able to move well and even and even die due to complications.

Respiratory System The respiratory system works with the cardiovascular/circulatory systems to transport blood through the body. During soccer the respiratory system tries to meet the needs of oxygen in the muscles. The rate of breathing increases. The increase allows more oxygen in the lungs and oxygenated blood travels to the muscles

Circulatory/Cardiovascular System Red blood cells transport oxygen to the hamstrings, quads and glutes. The more movement there is, the more blood is needed to be transported to the cells & muscles. When playing soccer a healthy heart is necessary in order to get enough oxygen and function properly. If there isn’t enough oxygen the muscles become tired and don’t work as well.

Nervous System The nervous system is also at work while playing soccer. It has three main parts, the brain the spinal cord and nerves. Cerebellum is the main part of the brain. It tells the muscles exactly what to do and how to move. It also controls balance and posture during a kick. The nervous system is responsible for quick movements like shifting the body toward or away from the ball. It also makes you aware of where the other players are. It’s like your reflexes at work.

Immune System During soccer you play with other others so there are always germs flying around. It is the immune system that fights the germs and keeps you healthy enough to play. It also helps protect you from worse injury. If you get injured, the nervous systems sends pain, but the immune system tries to protect the injured area by sending fluids that cause warmth, redness, even swelling telling you to stop and rest.

I hope you like my presentation The End