Introduction to Exercise Science

A set of flashcards covering key concepts in exercise science, including motor units, responses to exercise, and effects on mental health.

What are the acute responses to exercise?

Increased heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output, due to sympathetic nervous system activation.

What is a motor unit?

A motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates.

Name a key adaptation to resistance training related to neural processes.

Increased motor unit recruitment.

What happens to the Golgi tendon organ reflex during resistance training?

It decreases, allowing for more load during exercises.

What is glycogenolysis?

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose.

How does exercise affect mental health?

It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

What is the monosynaptic stretch reflex?

A reflex that regulates muscle length by contracting the muscle when it is stretched.

What is BDNF?

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; it supports the growth and survival of neurons.

How does exercise influence the hippocampus?

Exercise increases hippocampal volume and neurogenesis.

What happens to NM adaptations during detraining?

They are lost over time, but strength gains are preserved longer than other adaptations.