Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Muscles
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Muscles
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Subject: Physical Education
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Theme: Basic Human Anatomy And Physiology In Relation To Physical Activities
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Watch on YouTubeidentify the major muscles of the body discuss the functions of any given muscle in movement describe the important roles the muscles perform in the body.
Basic Human Anatomy And Physiology In Relation To Physical Activities Muscles Term: 1st Term Week: 5 ---
1. Overview and Learning Objectives This topic introduces students to the fundamental understanding of muscles, their types, major locations, and diverse roles within the human body. Comprehending muscle anatomy and physiology is crucial for physical education students as it forms the basis for understanding movement, physical performance, injury prevention, and general health. In the Nigerian context, this knowledge is applicable to understanding the physical demands of various traditional activities like farming, dancing, carrying goods, and participation in popular sports such as football and track and field. A sound grasp of muscle function enables individuals to make informed choices regarding exercise, nutrition, and occupational activities, contributing to overall well-being and productivity. Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to: Pinpoint and name the principal muscles found in different parts of the human body. Explain how specific muscles contribute to various movements and actions. Articulate the significant non-movement functions that muscles perform to maintain the body's health and operation.
2. Key Concepts and Explanations Definition of Muscles: Muscles are soft tissues composed of specialized cells capable of contraction, which means they can shorten and thicken. This contraction generates force, enabling movement, maintaining posture, and performing vital bodily functions. The human body contains over 600 muscles.
Types of Muscles: There are three primary types of muscles, each with distinct characteristics and functions: a. Skeletal Muscles (Voluntary / Striated Muscles): Characteristics: These muscles are attached to bones, typically across a joint, and are responsible for all conscious body movements. They appear striped (striated) under a microscope due to the arrangement of contractile proteins. They are voluntary, meaning their contractions are under conscious control of the nervous system.
Function: Produce movement, maintain posture, stabilize joints, and generate heat.
Location: Found throughout the body, attached to the skeleton (e.g., biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings).
Example in Nigerian Context: The leg muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius) used by a farmer during tilling the soil or a footballer kicking the ball. b. Smooth Muscles (Involuntary / Non-striated Muscles): Characteristics: These muscles lack striations and are involuntary, meaning their contractions are not under conscious control. They contract slowly and rhythmically.
Function: Control the movement of substances through internal organs and regulate the size of openings. They play roles in digestion, blood pressure regulation, and emptying the bladder.
Location: Found in the walls of internal organs like the stomach, intestines, bladder, blood vessels, airways, and uterus.
Example in Nigerian Context: The muscles in the walls of the digestive tract that move pounded yam through the stomach and intestines. c. Cardiac Muscles (Involuntary / Striated Muscles): Characteristics: Found exclusively in the heart, cardiac muscles are involuntary (not under conscious control) but are striated like skeletal muscles. They have a unique branching structure and are highly resistant to fatigue, allowing the heart to pump continuously.
Function: Responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
Location: Wall of the heart (myocardium).
Example in Nigerian Context: The continuous pumping action that keeps a market trader energized throughout a busy day. Major Muscles of the Body (Skeletal Muscles): Students should be able to identify and locate these key muscles:
1. Deltoids: Location: Shoulder cap, covering the shoulder joint.
Function in Movement: Abducts (lifts away from the body) the arm, and assists in flexion (forward movement) and extension (backward movement) of the shoulder.
Example: Lifting a bucket of water or raising hands during a traditional dance.
2. Pectoralis Major (Pecs): Location: Large muscle covering the chest.
Function in Movement: Adducts (brings towards the body) and internally rotates the arm, also assists in flexing the arm.
Example: Pushing a wheelbarrow or performing a push-up.
3. Biceps Brachii (Biceps): Location: Front of the upper arm.
Function in Movement: Flexes (bends) the elbow joint and supinates (rotates palm upwards) the forearm.
Example: Lifting a bag of foodstuff or performing a bicep curl.
4. Triceps Brachii (Triceps): Location: Back of the upper arm.
Function in Movement: Extends (straightens) the elbow joint. *
Example: Pushing a door open or extending the (brings towards the body) and internally rotates the arm, also assists in flexing the arm.
Example: Pushing a wheelbarrow or performing a push-up.
3. Biceps Brachii (Biceps): Location: Front of the upper arm.
Function in Movement: Flexes (bends) the elbow joint and supinates (rotates palm upwards) the forearm.
Example: Lifting a bag of foodstuff or performing a bicep curl.
4. Triceps Brachii (Triceps): Location: Back of the upper arm.
Function in Movement: Extends (straightens) the elbow joint.
Example: Pushing a door open or extending the arm during a throw.
5. Rectus Abdominis (Abs): Location: Front of the abdomen, running vertically from ribs to pelvis.
Function in Movement: Flexes the trunk (bending forward), compresses abdominal contents, and stabilizes the core.
Example: Bending to pick up items or performing a sit-up.
6. Gluteus Maximus (Glutes): Location: Large muscle forming the buttocks.
Function in Movement: Extends and externally rotates the hip. Crucial for standing, walking, running, and climbing.
Example: Climbing a hill or squatting down to cook.
7. Quadriceps Femoris (Quads): Location: Group of four muscles at the front of the thigh.
Function in Movement: Extends the knee joint and flexes the hip.
Example: Kicking a football, standing up from a chair, or walking.
8. Hamstrings: Location: Group of three muscles at the back of the thigh.
Function in Movement: Flexes the knee joint and extends the hip.
Example: Running, jumping, or bending the knee to tie a wrapper.
9. Gastrocnemius (Calf Muscle): Location: Large superficial muscle at the back of the lower leg.
Function in Movement: Plantarflexes the ankle (points toes downwards) and assists in knee flexion.
Example: Walking on tiptoes, jumping, or pushing off the ground while running.
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0. Latissimus Dorsi: Location: Large, flat muscle covering the width of the middle and lower back.
Function in Movement: Extends, adducts, and internally rotates the arm. Often referred to as the "swimmer's muscle."
Example: Pulling ropes, climbing, or paddling a canoe. Functions of Muscles in Movement (Agonist-Antagonist Pairs): Movement is typically produced by the coordinated action of muscle pairs.
Agonist (Prime Mover): The muscle primarily responsible for a specific movement.
Antagonist: The muscle that opposes the action of the agonist, relaxing to allow the movement to occur. When the antagonist contracts, it reverses the movement.
Synergists: Muscles that assist the prime mover or stabilize the joint during movement. Worked
Example: Elbow Flexion (Bending the Arm) When the elbow is flexed (e.g., bringing food to the mouth): Agonist: Biceps Brachii contracts.
Antagonist: Triceps Brachii relaxes and lengthens. When the elbow is extended (straightening the arm): Agonist: Triceps Brachii contracts.
Antagonist: Biceps Brachii relaxes and lengthens. Important Roles Muscles Perform in the Body (Beyond Movement):
1. Maintaining Posture: Skeletal muscles are constantly working, even when standing or sitting still, to counteract gravity and maintain correct body alignment. This prevents slouching and helps in activities like carrying loads on the head.
2. Producing Heat: Muscle contraction is an energy-intensive process. A significant by-product of energy conversion in muscles is heat. When the body temperature drops (e.g., during harmattan season), muscles shiver involuntarily to generate heat and warm the body.
3. Protection of Internal Organs: The layers of skeletal muscles, particularly in the abdominal wall and chest, provide a protective shield for delicate internal organs against external impact and injury.
4. Blood Circulation: Cardiac muscle: Its rhythmic contractions are solely responsible for pumping blood from the heart to all parts of the body.
Smooth muscle: Found in the walls of blood vessels (arteries and veins), it helps regulate blood pressure and directs blood flow. The contraction of skeletal muscles also aids venous return (pushing blood back to the heart, especially from the legs, preventing pooling).
5. Respiration: Muscles of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (between ribs) are crucial for breathing, facilitating inhalation and exhalation.
6. Digestion: Smooth muscles in the walls of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, intestines) perform peristalsis – wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive system. 3. *Teaching and body.
Smooth muscle: Found in the walls of blood vessels (arteries and veins), it helps regulate blood pressure and directs blood flow. The contraction of skeletal muscles also aids venous return (pushing blood back to the heart, especially from the legs, preventing pooling).
5. Respiration: Muscles of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (between ribs) are crucial for breathing, facilitating inhalation and exhalation.
6. Digestion: Smooth muscles in the walls of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, intestines) perform peristalsis – wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive system.
3. Teaching and Learning Activities Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 min): Begin by reviewing the previous topic briefly. Engage students by asking questions about everyday movements (e.g., "What makes it possible for you to lift your bag?", "How do you stand upright?"). Introduce the topic "Muscles" as the answer to these questions and highlight its importance in physical activities and daily life in Nigeria. Introduce the learning objectives for the lesson.
Concept Explanation (30 min): Define muscles and differentiate between the three types (skeletal, smooth, cardiac) using clear language and visual aids (e.g., charts showing muscle types or a human anatomy chart). Systematically explain the major skeletal muscles of the body, pointing to their locations on an anatomy chart or using illustrations. Demonstrate the movement associated with each muscle (e.g., demonstrate biceps curl for biceps). Explain the concept of agonist and antagonist muscles in movement, using the elbow flexion/extension as a primary example. Discuss the important roles of muscles beyond movement, providing real-life examples relevant to Nigerian experiences (e.g., shivering in harmattan, farmer's posture). Demonstration and Practical Application (15 min): Guide students to locate and palpate (feel) some major muscles on their own bodies or on a peer (e.g., biceps, triceps, quadriceps, gastrocnemius) while performing associated movements. Demonstrate various physical activities and ask students to identify the primary muscles involved (e.g., squatting, jogging in place, lifting an imaginary load).
Guided Practice and Feedback (10 min): Pose guided practice questions and facilitate class discussion, ensuring students understand the concepts. Provide immediate feedback and correct misconceptions.
Conclusion (5 min): Summarize the key points of the lesson. Assign independent practice and homework.
Student Activities: Active Listening and Participation: Listen attentively to explanations and participate in discussions.
Questioning: Ask clarifying questions during explanations.
Identification: Identify major muscles on anatomical charts, diagrams, or on their own bodies/peers.
Movement Demonstration: Perform simple movements to feel and identify muscle actions (e.g., flexing and extending the elbow/knee, standing on tiptoes).
Group Discussion: Participate in small group discussions to identify muscles involved in specific Nigerian cultural activities or sports.
Note-Taking: Record key definitions, muscle names, and functions.
Problem-Solving: Attempt guided practice questions.
4. Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question 1: A market woman is carrying a heavy basket of yams on her head, walking through the market. Identify any five major muscles primarily engaged in supporting this activity.
Solution 1:
1. Sternocleidomastoid/Trapezius: Muscles in the neck and upper back that help stabilize the head and neck to bear the load.
2. Erector Spinae: Muscles running along the spine, crucial for maintaining an upright posture and preventing the trunk from flexing forward under the load.
3. Rectus Abdominis/Obliques: Abdominal muscles contract to stabilize the core and support the trunk.
4. Gluteus Maximus: Engaged in hip extension and stabilization, helping to maintain balance while walking.
5. Quadriceps Femoris: Used for knee extension and stabilization during walking.
6. Gastrocnemius/Soleus: Calf muscles used for pushing off the ground during each step (plantarflexion) and maintaining balance.
Commentary: This question assesses the students' ability to identify muscles in a practical, real-life Nigerian scenario, linking muscle groups to specific functional roles. Any five correctly identified muscles with their general location are acceptable.
Question 2: Explain the function of the Biceps Brachii and Triceps Brachii muscles in the movement of carrying a bucket of water to a well and then pulling it up. Discuss how they act as an agonist-antagonist pair.
Solution 2: * Biceps Brachii: This muscle, located at the front of the upper