Levers and Movement Flashcards

Flashcards about levers and movement in the musculoskeletal system.

Leverage

Action or advantage of using a lever.

Lever

A rigid structure that rotates around a fixed point, allowing for the application of increased force and/or speed.

Lever's Class

Determined by the location of the axis, force, and resistance in relation to each other.

Axis

The joint in the body that the lever moves around.

Force

The muscles that contract to generate the force to move the lever.

Resistance

The bone of the body and whatever is being held or moved by the bone.

Third-Class Levers

Bones act as levers and work with the muscles to create movement.

Axis in a soccer kick

Knee joint (or sometimes the hip joint), acting as the pivot point.

Force in a soccer kick

Muscular force exerted by the quadriceps and hamstrings to extend the lower leg.

Resistance in a soccer kick

Weight of the lower leg and foot, as well as the ball being kicked.

Application to Equipment

Equipment like bats/hockey sticks/racquets can act as extended levers.

Longer Levers (Mechanical Advantages)

Allows for a greater range of motion, generates higher speed, and covers greater distances.