Physical Education key terms

An imaginary line passing through the body from side to side, around which movement in the sagittal plane occurs.

An imaginary horizontal surface dividing the body into upper and lower portions; turning movements take place in this plane.

A muscle across the back of the neck and upper back that moves and stabilises the shoulder blades.

The overall direction or pattern of change in a set of data.

The muscle at the back of the upper arm that straightens the arm at the elbow.

The training method used, chosen to suit the intended fitness improvement.

A condition in which blood glucose levels become too high; its risk is influenced by lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity.

The forearm bone on the little-finger side, extending between the elbow and wrist.

A state in which a performer's arousal is below the level needed for their best performance.

The extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

A structure in a vein that prevents blood flowing backwards.

The redistribution of blood flow during exercise so that working muscles receive more blood and less goes to less immediately active organs.

Narrowing of a blood vessel's lumen as muscle in its wall contracts, reducing blood flow through it.

Widening of a blood vessel's lumen as muscle in its wall relaxes, increasing blood flow through it.

A blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart.

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

A lower chamber of the heart that receives blood from an atrium and pumps it out of the heart. The heart has a right ventricle and a left ventricle.

Spoken instructions or explanations that tell a performer how to perform a skill.

One of the bones making up the spine; together these bones are called vertebrae.

A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flowing; blood with greater viscosity is thicker and harder to pump.

Guidance provided by showing a performer how a skill is performed, for example through a demonstration or video.

Creating a mental picture, such as seeing yourself perform a sporting skill successfully.

A nutrient needed to maintain the efficient working of body systems and general health.

A routine performed before physical activity to prepare the body and mind for exercise.

Exercise in which the feet and legs support the body’s weight, such as walking or running.

Training in which muscles work against weights, with the exercise and load chosen to develop strength, power or muscular endurance.

A feeling or mental state of being contented, happy and healthy.