SEHS Exam Revision: Physiology, Energy Systems, and Biomechanics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, physiological systems, energy pathways, training principles, and biomechanical concepts from the SEHS exam revision notes.

Nervous System

The organ system that senses both internal and external conditions to coordinate the responses of the body's physiological systems effectively, divided into central and peripheral systems.

Efferent Division

The motor pathway of the nervous system that is subdivided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the efferent nervous system subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems that controls functions such as cardiac function, breathing and ventilation, and temperature control.

Sensory Receptors (Proprioceptors, Baroreceptors, Chemoreceptors)

Specialized cells that respond to internal and external stimuli to initiate responses by the nervous system.

Endocrine System

The organ system composed of the body's glands and hormones that regulates all biological processes in the body.

Hormones

Mediator molecules that are released in one part of the body but regulate the activity of cells in other parts of the body.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Hormones that induce physiological changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.

Insulin and Glucagon

Hormones that regulate blood sugar concentration; exercise limits the release of insulin and facilitates glucose uptake.

Antidiuretic Hormone

A hormone that regulates water retention in the kidney.

Progesterone

A reproductive hormone that has a thermogenic effect on thermoregulation and sleep quality, as well as an effect on fuel availability.

Oestrogen

A reproductive hormone that exhibits effects on sparing glycogen and influencing joint stiffness.

Testosterone

A reproductive hormone that exerts effects on bone formation, protein synthesis, and erythropoietin.

Homeostasis

Any self-regulating biological process aiming to produce a relatively stable, constant internal environment for optimal functioning of the body.

Negative Feedback Mechanisms

Mechanisms through which homeostasis generally operates by reversing a change back to a controlled condition.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a core body temperature of $37 + 1^\times\text{C}$ via the sweat response, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, shivering, and non-shivering thermogenesis.

Cardiovascular System

The system that transports nutrients, hormones, gases, heat, and waste to perform necessary bodily functions.

Respiratory System

The system that enables the exchange of gases between the external environment and the body to facilitate cellular respiration.

Cardiovascular Drift

A phenomenon caused by water loss from the body or an increase in core body temperature during a prolonged steady state of submaximal (or aerobic) exercise in thermoneutral and hot environments.

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that provide sources of energy to maintain bodily functions during growth, rest, and physical activity.

Low Energy Availability (LEA)

A state in which the body has insufficient energy to support physiological functions needed for optimal health.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)

A syndrome and clinical consequence resulting from prolonged low energy availability (LEA).

Energy Continuum

A framework describing the relative contribution of each energy system (phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative) to ATP production depending on the nature and intensity of the activity.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption ($VO_2\,\text{max}$)

The maximum volume of oxygen the body can consume, influenced by age, sex differences, body composition, lifestyle factors, and fitness level.

Training Principles

The essential concepts directing training programme design: specificity, progressive overload (frequency, intensity, and duration), recovery (rest principle), variety, reversibility, and periodization.

Non-functional Overreaching and Overtraining

Possible adverse physiological and performance consequences resulting from poorly designed or poorly maintained training programmes.

Connective Tissues

Structures including bone, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, and tendons that function together to increase stability and permit movement.

Articulations

Joints in the body categorized into three main types—fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial—which vary in the amount of stability and movement they provide.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating skeletal muscle contraction.

Motor Unit

A functional grouping consisting of a motor neuron and its muscle fibres that contracts using the all-or-none principle, categorized by fibre type (types I, IIa, and IIx) and neuron diameter.

Types of Muscular Contractions

Four distinct classifications of muscle contraction: isometric, isotonic concentric, isotonic eccentric, and isokinetic.

Reciprocal Inhibition

The functional neuromuscular coordination whereby muscles operate in pairs as agonist and antagonist.

Levers

Mechanical structures categorized into three classes based on the relative positions of the effort, fulcrum, and load, determining mechanical advantage and disadvantage.

Eccentric Force

A force applied at a distance from the centre of mass that produces angular motion.

Conservation of Angular Momentum

The biomechanical principle stating that angular momentum remains constant when an athlete or object is free of additional eccentric forces.