ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE (ATP) |
A chemical compound that breaks down to release the energy responsible for muscle contraction. |
AEROBIC |
Energy created with oxygen, or in the presence of oxygen. |
AEROBIC STEADY STATE |
A level of metabolism when the oxygen consumption satisfies the energy expenditure and the heart rate required foroxygen transport stabilizes. |
ANAEROBIC |
Energy created without oxygen, or in the absence of oxygen. |
ANAEROBIC GLYCOLYSIS |
The breakdown of carbohydrate (sugar) in the absence of oxygen; one of the major methods of producing energy in muscle fibers. |
CARBOHYDRATE |
A group of compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; comprising all the sugars (glucose, glycogen, starch, fiber, cellulose, and saccharides). |
CREATINE PHOSPHATE |
A molecule in muscle fibers that breaks down to liberate energy for the construction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). |
ENZYME |
A protein that promotes the chemical processes occurring in living tissue without itself being altered or destroyed. |
FAT |
Triglycerides; a combination, or ester of three fatty acids and glycerol. |
FATTY ACID |
One of the building blocks of fats; used as fuel for muscle contraction. |
GLUCOSE |
The most common sugar and the main fuel for musclec ontraction. |
GLUCOSE SPARING |
The preference of muscle fibers for fatty acids as fuel rather than glycogen or glucose. |
GLYCOGEN |
A carbohydrate of several glucose molecules; the main formof glucose storage in the body. |
INTENSITY |
The relative heart rate, speed, or level of exertion expressed as a percentage of the maximum allowable. |
LACTIC ACID |
A product of glucose and glycogen metabolism, which insufficient concentration causes fatigue. |
METABOLISM |
The sum total of all physical and chemical processes occuring in the body. |
MITOCHONDRIA |
One of the many small sacs inside the muscle fibers containing enzymes that help convert food to energy. |
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM |
The total biological interaction necessary to transmit an electrical impulse from the brain to another part of thebody and then return a feedback responce to the brain. |
POWER-STRENGTH |
The amount of work accomplished by a muscle relative to the duration of the effort (work divided by time). |
PYRUVIC ACID |
The chemical precursor of lactic acid. |