← Sports Science syllabus

SingaporeSports Science

The Musculoskeletal System

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do muscles work in pairs, and what are the roles of agonist, antagonist, fixator and synergist in movement?

Explain how muscles work in antagonistic pairs and describe the roles of agonist, antagonist, fixator and synergist using sporting actions
A focused answer to the O-Level ESS outcome on muscle action. Antagonistic pairs, the agonist, antagonist, fixator and synergist roles, and types of contraction in sporting movement.
8 min answer →

What types of joint does the body have, and what range of movement does each allow in sport?

Classify the main types of synovial joint and describe the movements each permits, with sporting examples
A focused answer to the O-Level ESS outcome on joints. Synovial joint structure, the main joint types, and the movements (flexion, extension, abduction, rotation and more) each allows in sport.
9 min answer →

What are the functions of the skeleton, and how do the different types of bone support movement and protect the body?

Describe the functions of the skeleton and classify bones by shape, relating each to its role in support, protection and movement
A focused answer to the O-Level ESS outcome on the skeleton. The functions of the skeleton, the four bone shapes, and how each supports sporting movement and protects vital organs.
8 min answer →

What are the three types of muscle, and how do skeletal muscle fibre types affect sporting performance?

Distinguish the three muscle types, locate the major skeletal muscles, and explain how slow and fast twitch fibres suit different events
A focused answer to the O-Level ESS outcome on muscle. The three muscle types, the major skeletal muscles, and how slow and fast twitch fibres suit endurance versus power events.
9 min answer →