Muscles - Presentation

The presentation on muscles delves into the fascinating biology of animals, including humans, by exploring the names, functions, locations, and cooperative actions of muscles that facilitate movement. The session begins by addressing basic questions such as the identification of various muscles, understanding their roles in the body, pinpointing their locations, and finally, how they collaborate to enable our bodies to move. For instance, the biceps and triceps in the arms work in a complementary fashion: when the biceps contract, the triceps relax, allowing the arm to bend, and vice versa for the arm to straighten. Similarly, the leg muscles, namely the hamstrings and quadriceps, function together to bend and straighten the leg, respectively. This interplay is essential for movements such as running, and the presentation encourages learners to consider where these muscles are found and how they operate in unison.

Further exploration in the presentation includes an investigation into the impact of muscle size on athletic performance, exemplified by the observation of Olympic marathon runner Mo Farah. His large leg muscles, particularly the Quadriceps Femoris, contrast with his less developed arm muscles, illustrating how specific muscle development is tailored to the demands of his sport. The investigation continues with practical activities where students measure their own thigh circumference and jumping distance to examine the effect of muscle size on physical abilities. The presentation also compares the muscle length and jumping capabilities of various insects, prompting students to question whether longer muscles correlate with greater jumping distances. Additionally, the presentation prompts students to analyze the muscle structures used by different animals for movement and to reflect on the similarities and differences between human and animal musculature. By the end of the session, students should be able to name and locate muscles in the body, describe their functions, and understand how muscles work in pairs to facilitate movement.