Sex Differences in Sport and Exercise

Flashcards review key concepts and terminology related to sex differences in sports and exercise physiology.

Sex

Biologically determined characteristics distinguishing male and female.

Gender

Culturally determined roles and behaviors associated with being male or female.

Hyperandrogenism

A medical condition where women must be tested if they exhibit too many masculine traits.

Lipoprotein lipase

An enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat metabolism and body composition, especially in women.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in a female.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation, which can be primary or secondary.

Eumenorrhea

Normal menstrual cycle and flow.

Oligomenorrhea

Irregular menstrual cycles, often characterized by infrequent periods.

Osteopenia

A condition where bone density is lower than normal, often a precursor to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

Secondary amenorrhea

The cessation of menstruation following a period of normal cycles, often associated with energy deficits.

Body Composition

The proportion of fat and non-fat mass in an individual's body.

V•O2max

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute.

Endurance sports

Sports that require sustained physical exertion, such as long-distance running or swimming.

Female Athlete Triad

A syndrome characterized by energy deficit, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mass.