Exercise Physiology and Human Body Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering topics on energy systems, training methods, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system.

Altitude training

Training in an area high above sea level with a lower amount of oxygen, allowing an athlete's respiratory system to work less when returning to sea-level events.

Blood doping

Removing blood from the body to trigger the release of EPO from the kidneys, then re-injecting the blood later to increase red blood cell count, endurance, and recovery speed.

Anabolic steroids

A synthetic hormone that mimics the effects of testosterone to increase male characteristics, including muscle mass.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

An injected artificial hormone that increases red blood cell count, improving oxygen levels in the blood, endurance, and recovery.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Energy stored in very small amounts in muscles, sufficient for 1-2 maximal contractions ($2\text{--}3\text{ seconds}$), which is resynthesised as phosphate bonds reform.

Phosphocreatine (PC)

A naturally stored substance that replenishes on its own and acts as the fuel for the ATP-PC system to provide rapid, immediate energy for short bursts.

ATP-PC Energy system

An anaerobic energy system that operates at $95\text{--}100\text{ }\text{percent}$ of max heart rate, peak performance $2\text{--}3\text{ seconds}$, and lasts up to a $1\text{--}15\text{ second}$ burst, and produces zero waste products.

Anaerobic glycolysis system (Lactic acid system)

An energy system operating at $85\text{--}100\text{ }\text{percent}$ max heart rate fuelled by glucose that provides energy via the incomplete breakdown of glucose without oxygen, forming lactic acid. peak performance at around 5-15 seconds and lasts 10-75 seconds

Aerobic system

An energy system operating at $60\text{--}85\text{ }\text{percent}$ max heart rate that produces energy through the complete breakdown of glucose and fats in the presence of oxygen, producing water, $\text{CO}_2$, and heat. peak performance between 1-2+ minutes

Energy system interplay

The concept that the three energy systems do not run independently of each other, but overlap depending on activity type and exercise demand.

Cardiovascular system

A system composed of three main components: the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Red blood cells

Cells produced in the bone marrow containing the protein haemoglobin that give blood its colour and have a $120\text{-day}$ life span.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood made of $90\text{ }\text{percent}$ water that covers $55\text{ }\text{percent}$ of total blood volume, carrying nutrients and assisting platelets with clotting.

White blood cells

Cells produced in the bone marrow with a $10\text{-day}$ life span that are responsible for fighting infection, disease, and viruses.

Platelets

Blood components formed in the bone marrow that assist in forming blood clots to stop bleeding.

Atriums

The two upper chambers of the heart.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart.

Septum

The muscular wall that divides the heart chambers into two separate pumps.

Tricuspid valve

The heart valve through which blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle.

Pulmonary artery

The blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle to the lungs.

Pulmonary vein

The blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium.

Mitral valve

The heart valve through which blood passes from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, through which the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

Heart Rate

The number of times the heart beats per minute, measured by counting the pulse rate in the arteries.

Systolic blood pressure

The upper blood pressure reading measuring the pressure exerted in the arteries as the heart beats to pump blood.

Diastolic blood pressure

The lower blood pressure reading measuring the pressure in the arteries when the heart fills with blood between beats.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood and waste products back towards the heart.

Capillaries

The smallest blood vessels in the body where the exchange of nutrients and waste ($\text{CO}_2$) between blood and cells occurs.

Stroke volume

The amount of blood pumped out of a ventricle during each beat of the heart.

Cardiac output (Q)

The total volume of blood pumped out of the heart per minute, calculated using the formula $Q = \text{HR} \times \text{SV}$.

Respiratory system

The body system responsible for breathing, bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide.

Nasal Cavity

The initial airway passage containing tissue layers called septa covered in cilia, which warm, moisten, and filter dust and dirt from incoming air.

Pharynx

The region where the mouth and throat combine, warming air before it moves toward the larynx.

Epiglottis

A small flap covering the pharynx that directs air into the larynx while preventing food and drink from entering the lungs.

Larynx

The airway section containing the vocal cords, known as the 'Adam's apple' in males.

Trachea

A windpipe made up of cartilage rings located behind the sternum.

Bronchi

Two main air delivery tubes branching from the trachea into each lung.

Bronchioles

Smaller air passages branching from the bronchi that connect to tiny air sacs called alveoli.

Alveoli

Microscopic air sacs one cell thick surrounded by capillaries, serving as the site for gas exchange.

Gaseous exchange

The process in the alveoli where inhaled oxygen moves into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed from blood to be exhaled.

Diaphragm

An involuntary muscle that contracts and relaxes to alter chest cavity size and drive breathing mechanics.

Inspiration

The 'breathing in' phase of respiration, initiated when the diaphragm contracts and pulls downwards to expand the volume of the rib cage.

Expiration

The 'breathing out' phase of respiration, occurring when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax to release carbon dioxide.

Asthma

A medical condition caused by the constriction of the bronchi and bronchioles, reducing vital capacity.