Endocrine System (Exercise Physiology)

What two systems regulate the body's response to exercise?

The nervous system and endocrine system.

What are hormones?

Chemical substances produced and secreted by glands that influence target cells.

What gland releases epinephrine and norepinephrine?

The adrenal medulla.

What do epinephrine and norepinephrine do during exercise?

Increase HR, contractility, SV, cardiac output, and BP.

How do epinephrine and norepinephrine affect blood vessels?

Cause vasoconstriction in the GI tract and vasodilation in working muscles.

How do epinephrine and norepinephrine help provide energy?

Mobilize fuel for ATP production and increase glycogenolysis.

What is glycogenolysis?

The breakdown of glycogen to help maintain blood glucose.

How do epinephrine and norepinephrine affect fat?

Increase lipolysis in adipose tissue.

Where is insulin produced?

The pancreas.

What stimulates insulin release?

An increase in blood glucose levels.

What does insulin do?

Increases glucose and free fatty acid uptake into muscle and other cells.

Where is glucagon produced?

The pancreas.

What is the function of glucagon?

Mobilizes fuel for ATP production and helps maintain blood glucose.

What are anabolic hormones?

Hormones that increase amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, and tissue remodeling.

Where is testosterone produced?

Testes in males and adrenal glands in females, according to the notes.

What hormone has a similar anabolic effect in females?

Estrogen.

Where is human growth hormone (HGH) produced?

Anterior pituitary.

Where is IGF (insulin-like growth factor) produced?

Liver.

Where is cortisol produced?

Adrenal cortex.

What are the effects of cortisol?

Decreases protein synthesis, increases gluconeogenesis, and increases lipolysis.

How can resistance training increase anabolic factors?

Large muscle groups, heavy resistance (1-6 reps), and moderate-to-high volume.

How much recovery time is recommended between training sessions?

Approximately 48 hours.

Why are deloading periods important?

They help manage accumulated fatigue and allow recovery.

What is periodization?

Progressively varying training volume and intensity to promote adaptation.

What does mTOR do in training adaptations?

Promotes anabolic cellular signaling and muscle protein synthesis.

What happens to anabolic hormones immediately after training?

They can increase and support muscle hypertrophy and tissue remodeling.

Do resting testosterone, HGH, IGF, and cortisol consistently increase with long-term training?

No, consistent chronic changes are less likely.

Why can chronically elevated anabolic hormones be counterproductive?

Hormone receptors may downregulate.