1. The Muscular System
There are three types of muscles in the human body:
Cardiac muscle: a type of involuntary muscle that works automatically. It is only found in the heart and is special because it never rests.
Involuntary muscle: also known as smooth muscle, they are not controlled but they work automatically. They are found in the intestines, blood vessels and urinary organs.
Voluntary muscle: the most common muscle type. These attach to the skeleton and we can control these and move them, using signals from the brain. They help us run, jump, throw and perform all sporting skills.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

2. Voluntary Muscles Antagonistic Pairs
Voluntary muscles are made up of fibres and when these pull against the skeleton (contract), movement takes place.
Muscles can only pull (they cannot push) so they are arranged in antagonistic pairs, so certain muscles pull in opposite directions.
Antagonistic Pairs
Muscles are arranged in antagonistic pairs, so when one muscle contracts and pulls, the other relaxes to allow the joint to work
For example; The biceps and triceps are arranged in an antagonistic pair to allow movement in the forearm.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

3. The Muscles Upper Body muscles: Trapezius Deltoid Latissimus dorsi
There are 11 specific muscles that you need to know.
You will need to know where they are found in the body and what movement they produce.
Upper Body muscles:
Trapezius
Deltoid
Latissimus dorsi
Pectorals
Biceps
Triceps
Abdominals
Lower Body muscles:
Gluteus maximus
Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Gastrocnemius
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

4. Upper Body
1) Trapezius
Attached to the back of the neck and the shoulder.
Its function is to lift the shoulder upwards and rotate the shoulder blade. It also helps to move the neck.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

5. Upper Body
2) Deltoid
Attached to the top of the shoulder and the upper arm.
It moves the upper arm away from the body.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

6. 3) Latissimus dorsi Upper Body
A sheet of muscle which connects from the lower spine to under the upper arm.
Its function is to pull your arms backwards and inwards.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

7. 4) Pectorals Upper Body Covers the chest.
Its function is to bring your shoulders across the chest.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

8. 5) Biceps 6) Triceps Upper Body
Attached at the top of the shoulder and the elbow.
When the arm is extended (straightened), the triceps contracts and the biceps relaxes.
When the arm is flexed (bent), the triceps relaxes and the biceps contracts
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

9. 7) Abdominals Upper Body
They are found across the front of the stomach.
They make flexing, bending forward and rotating the body to the side possible, and also help good posture
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

10. 1) Gluteus maximus Lower Body
These form the buttocks and attach to the upper leg.
Its function is to move the leg sideways and backwards at the hip
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

11. 2) Quadriceps Lower Body
Found on the front of the upper leg. They attach at the hip and the knee.
Its function is to extend (straighten) the lower leg at the knee joint.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

12. 3) Hamstrings Lower Body
Found on the back of the upper leg. They attach at the bottom of the buttocks and the back of the knee.
Its function is to bend the lower leg at the knee joint.
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)

13. 4) Gastrocnemius Lower Body
Found on the back of the lower leg. It starts at the back of the knee and extends down to the ankle.
Its function is to point the toes away from the foot (like when you stand on your toes).
(GCSE PE: Unit 1.2.2)