Chapter 09 | Muscular System

Muscular Tissue

Specialized cells that contract to produce movement.

Muscle Contraction

The process by which muscles pull on bones or other structures to create movement.

ATP

The main energy source used by muscle fibers during contraction.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Striated or voluntary muscle that makes up 40-50% of body weight and is responsible for voluntary movements.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Involuntary muscle found only in the heart, responsible for pumping blood.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Nonstriated, involuntary muscle found in internal organs.

Muscle Fibers

Cells that compose muscle tissue and contract to create movement.

Tendons

Fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones.

Bursae

Fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons and bones.

Calcium Ions

Essential for muscle contraction; facilitates the binding of myosin to actin.

Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)

The connection point where a motor neuron meets a muscle fiber.

Threshold Stimulus

Minimum level of stimulus required to trigger a muscle contraction.

Twitch Contraction

A quick, jerky response of a muscle to a single stimulus.

Tetanic Contraction

Sustained muscle contraction from rapid, repeated stimuli.

Isotonic Contraction

Muscle changes length to produce movement.

Isometric Contraction

Muscle tension increases without a change in length.

Hypertrophy

Increase in muscle size due to strength training.

Flexion

Decreases the angle between two bones.

Extension

Increases the angle between two bones.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement toward the midline of the body.

Rotation

Movement around a longitudinal axis.

Supination

Palm facing upward.

Pronation

Palm facing downward.

Dorsiflexion

Lifting the top of the foot toward the shin.

Plantar Flexion

Pointing the foot downward.

Masseter

Muscle that elevates the mandible and closes the jaw.

Sternocleidomastoid

Muscle that flexes and rotates the head.

Pectoralis Major

Muscle that flexes, adducts, and rotates the upper arm medially.

Latissimus Dorsi

Muscle that extends, adducts, and medially rotates the upper arm.

Rectus Abdominis

Muscle that flexes the vertebral column.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles that assist in expanding and compressing the rib cage during breathing.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle for breathing.

Iliopsoas

Muscle that flexes the thigh at the hip joint.

Gluteus Maximus

Muscle that extends and laterally rotates the thigh.

Quads Group

Muscles that extend the leg at the knee joint.

Hamstring Group

Muscles that flex the leg at the knee and extend the thigh at the hip.

Myopathy

General term for muscle disorders.

Muscle Strain

Overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers.

Sprain

Ligament damage near a joint.

Cramps

Involuntary, painful muscle spasms.

Poliomyelitis

Viral infection that affects motor nerves, leading to paralysis.

Muscular Dystrophy

Group of genetic disorders causing muscle degeneration.

Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune disorder causing chronic muscle weakness.

Muscle Soreness

Discomfort following strenuous exercise due to microtears in muscle fibers.

Exercise Physiology

The study of the body's responses to physical activity.

Muscle Tone

The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles.

Calisthenics

Form of exercise consisting of a variety of movements that exercise large muscle groups.

Cardiovascular Endurance

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the working muscles during prolonged physical activity.

Aerobic Exercise

Long-duration exercise that depends on oxygen usage.

Anaerobic Exercise

Short-duration exercise that does not rely on oxygen usage.

Lactic Acid

Byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, which can lead to muscle fatigue.

Oxygen Debt

The amount of oxygen required after physical exertion to convert accumulated lactic acid back to glucose.

Heat Production in Muscles

Muscle contractions release heat, contributing to body temperature regulation.

Tonic Contractions

Sustained contractions that maintain posture without producing movement.

Fitness

A state of health and well-being, achieved through regular physical activity.

Rehabilitation

Process of restoring functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments.

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement of living organisms.

Gait

A person's manner of walking.

Muscle Fatigue

Decreased ability of a muscle to generate force.

Tendinitis

Inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse.

Electromyography (EMG)

Technique for evaluating and recording electrical activity in muscles.

Stretching

The act of elongating a muscle to improve flexibility.

Kinesiology

Study of movement and the mechanics of body motion.

Functional Training

Exercise that mimics everyday movements to improve overall fitness.

Resistance Training

Type of strength training that improves muscular strength and endurance.

Circuit Training

A form of body conditioning using high-intensity aerobics.

Cross-Training

Training in multiple disciplines to improve overall performance.

Sports Injuries

Injuries that occur in athletic activities, often related to physical strain.

Rhabdomyolysis

Condition resulting from damaged muscle tissue releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that help maintain fluid balance and muscle function.

Warm-up

Low-intensity exercise performed before training to prepare the muscles.

Cool Down

Low-intensity exercise post-training that aids recovery.

Flexibility

The ability to move joints through their full ranges of motion.

Joint Stability

The ability of a joint to maintain its position during movement.

Tissue Repair

Regeneration of muscle tissue after injury.

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain that lasts weeks to years.

Injury Prevention

Strategies to reduce the risk of injuries during activities.

Nutrition's Role in Muscle Health

Proper nutrition supports muscle recovery and growth.

Protein Synthesis

The process through which cells build proteins, crucial for muscle repair.

Posture Correction

Techniques aimed at achieving optimal body alignment.

Psychological Effects of Exercise

How physical activity impacts mental health and mood.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate water to the body, essential for muscle function.

Recovery Techniques

Methods used to promote healing and reduce soreness after workouts.

Cognitive Function

Mental processes that include thinking, knowing, memory, and judgment, which can be improved by exercise.

Therapeutic Exercise

Specific movements designed to restore, maintain, or enhance physical function.

Active Recovery

Low-intensity exercise following strenuous activity to aid recovery.

Sleep's Impact on Muscle Recovery

Adequate rest is vital for muscle repair and growth post-exercise.

Physical Activity Guidelines

Recommendations for health and fitness participation.

Endorphins

Natural hormones released during exercise that promote happiness and reduce pain.

Chronic Illness Management

Using exercise as a tool to help manage long-term health conditions.

Mobility Exercises

Movements designed to improve joint range of motion.

Core Stability

The ability to control the position and movement of the central part of your body.

Fitness Assessment

Evaluation of an individual's fitness level and physical capabilities.

Personal Training

Customized exercise programming adapted to individual needs and goals.

Community Fitness Initiatives

Programs aimed at increasing physical activity levels in local populations.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Decisions that lead to improved health and well-being.

Exercise Adherence

The ability of an individual to maintain a prescribed exercise regimen.

Mind-Body Connection

Understanding how mental well-being affects physical performance.

Holistic Health Approaches

Strategies that address the whole person in health management.