Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Movement of Joints: Skills (HL) (HL IB Biology)

Revision Note

Cara Head

Author

Cara Head

Expertise

Biology

Movement of Joints

  • The range of motion of joints are capable of moving in different directions, also called dimensions
  • An example of a joint which can move in a number of dimensions is the hip joint  
  • The range of motion of a joint can be measured using:
    • A simple tool called a goniometer which measures the distance and direction that the joint can move in degrees (o)
    • Computer analysis which can be used to track and measure the of the movement of various joints; there are even phone Apps which can be used to simulate a goniometer

Using a Goniometer Diagram

b3-3-7-range-of-motion-of-a-joint

The use of a goniometer to measure range of movement in joints

Exam Tip

You should have had the opportunity within your learning setting to use a goniometer.

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Cara Head

Author: Cara Head

Cara graduated from the University of Exeter in 2005 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has fifteen years of experience teaching the Sciences at KS3 to KS5, and Psychology at A-Level. Cara has taught in a range of secondary schools across the South West of England before joining the team at SME. Cara is passionate about Biology and creating resources that bring the subject alive and deepen students' understanding