ExPhys

Excitation contraction coupling

The process by which an action potential in the muscle fiber leads to muscle contraction.

Sarcomere

The functional unit of a muscle fiber, consisting of overlapping actin and myosin filaments.

Muscle fibers (Type I, Type IIa, Type IIx)

Different types of muscle fibers that vary in their contractile properties and metabolic characteristics.

ATP-PCr system

The energy system that provides immediate energy for short-duration, high-intensity exercise.

Glycolytic system

The energy system that breaks down glucose or glycogen to produce ATP anaerobically.

Oxidative system

The energy system that utilizes oxygen to produce ATP aerobically.

Beta Oxidation

The process of breaking down fatty acids to produce ATP.

Action potential

A rapid change in the electrical potential of a cell membrane that allows for the transmission of signals.

Muscle spindles

Sensory receptors in muscles that detect changes in muscle length and contribute to muscle control.

Golgi tendon organs

Sensory receptors in tendons that detect changes in muscle tension and protect against excessive force.

Neuron

A specialized cell that transmits electrical signals in the nervous system.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Steroid hormones

Hormones that are derived from cholesterol and can pass through the cell membrane to bind to intracellular receptors.

Non-steroid hormones

Hormones that cannot pass through the cell membrane and bind to receptors on the cell surface.

Hormones active during energy metabolism

Hormones that regulate energy metabolism and are released from various glands.