The Musculoskeletal System
What is the musculoskeletal system?
The musculoskeletal system is the combination of the muscular and skeletal systems working together and includes the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body.
What does the musculoskeletal system do?
The musculoskeletal system provides our bodies with shape, protection of our internal organs and the ability to move.
Every time you sit, stand, walk, jump and talk you're using the musculoskeletal system. Without this system or if it’s injured and not able to function properly, our ability to complete these everyday tasks is greatly hindered. Think of someone you know who has broken a bone or torn a muscle, how has it affected them?
Musculoskeletal system and fitness
Having good knowledge and understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its functions is important for those working in the fitness industry. This is because it helps you communicate with other fitness professionals and clients, as well as complete everyday aspects of your job such as instructing correct exercise technique, assessing someone’s movement and creating a balanced exercise programme.
Musculoskeletal system terms
Looking at and analysing the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system can be challenging as there are many new terms to learn and understand. For this reason some of the basic terms you are likely to encounter in your role as a personal trainer are explained in the following table.
|
Term |
Definition |
Example |
|
Anterior |
The front |
The mouth is on the anterior part of the head |
|
Posterior |
The back |
The spine is on the posterior part of the trunk |
|
Superior |
Toward the head |
The head is superior to the stomach |
|
Inferior |
Toward the feet |
The knee is inferior to the hip |
|
Lateral |
Toward the side/outside |
The ears are on the lateral part of the head |
|
Medial |
Toward the midline/inside |
The big toe is medial to the little toe |
|
Proximal |
Nearer the trunk |
The thighs are proximal to the toes |
|
Distal |
Further from the trunk |
The toes are distal to the thighs |
|
Prone |
Face down |
Lying on stomach about to do a push up |
|
Supine |
Face up |
Lying on back about to do a sit up/crunch |
|
Superficial |
Nearer to the surface |
The skin is more superficial than the stomach |
|
Deep |
Further from the surface |
The stomach is more deep than the skin |
Another term which is important to understand is the ‘anatomical position’.
- Stand upright with head facing forward
- Arms hanging by sides
- Palms of hands facing forward
- Feet slightly separated
- Toes pointing forward
Using the anatomical position allows everyone who works with the body to start from the same reference point so their descriptions in practice and research make sense to a wider audience.
Knowing the anatomical position also helps you understand movement descriptions and work effectively with other professionals such as doctors and physiotherapists etc.
