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Voluntary muscles
The key voluntary muscles used in sport are shown in the illustration.
| Name of muscle | Function | Example in sport |
|---|---|---|
| Triceps | Extend the arm at the elbow | Press-up, throwing a javelin |
| Biceps | Flex the arm at the elbow | Pull-up, drawing a bow in archery |
| Deltoids | Move the arm in all directions at the shoulder | Bowling a cricket ball |
| Pectorals | Adduct the arm at the shoulder | Forehand drive in tennis |
| Trapezius | Hold the shoulders in place, move head back and sideways | Holding head up in rugby scrum |
| Gluteals | Adduct and extend leg at the hips | Pulling back leg before kicking a ball |
| Quadriceps | Extend the leg at the knee | Kicking a ball jumping upwards |
| Hamstrings | Flex the leg at the knee | Bending knee before kicking a ball |
| Gastrocnemius | Pointing the toes, help to flex the knee | Running |
| Latissimus dorsi | Adduct and extend the arm at the shoulder | Butterfly stroke in swimming |
| Abdominals | Flex the trunk across the stomach | Pulling the body down when hurdling |
Drawing a bow uses the biceps. Photo courtesy of BBC Sport
Origin and insertion of muscles (AQA only) The origin is the end of a muscle which is attached to a fixed bone. The insertion is the end of the muscle that is attached to the bone which moves.
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