Architecture and Morphology

Question 1

What are the 3 structural changes in muscles?

Answer 1

1. Cross-sectional area of muscles + fibre level.
2. Fibre type profile.
3. Fasicle length.

Question 2

What are the 4 neuromuscular changes in muscles?

Answer 2

1. Motor unit recruitment.
2. Motor unit firing capacity.
3. Motor unit synchronization.
4. Intra + intermuscular coordination.

Question 3

Out of ‘Strength’, ‘Muscle strength’, and ‘Nervous system’ aspects, where would you see the fastest adaptation occur?

Answer 3

• Nervous system.

Question 4

When could adaptations in the nervous system occur?

Answer 4

• Can be straight after a single bout of exercise.

Question 5

Why would ‘Strength’ + ‘Muscle structure’ take longer to adapt?

Answer 5

• As it requires proteins to be produced.
• To lead to muscle growth.

Question 6

Describe the ‘Contractile Elements’ with regard to muscle-tendon ‘units’.

Answer 6

• Force generation is strongest here.
• Strength can be impacted by:
  1. Operating length.
  2. Fibre profile.
  3. Cross sectional area.
  4. Fasicile length.
  5,. Stiffness.

Question 7

Describe the ‘Series Elastic Elements’ with regard to muscle-tendon ‘units’.

Answer 7

• Energy is stored here when tensed + stretched during the SSC.
• Provides passive tension such as:
  1. Stiffness.
  2. Compliance.

Question 8

Describe the ‘Parallel Elastic Elements’ with regard to muscle-tendon ‘units’.

Answer 8

• Provides passive tension.
• Will become more stiff as a muscle lengthens.

Question 9

How does a muscle with a small CSA differ from one with a larger CSA?

Answer 9

• Muscles with a smaller CSA result in less force to be produced.
• Muscles with a larger CSA have a higher force-generating capacity.

Question 10

How does a muscle with short fibres differ from one with longer fibres?

Answer 10

• Muscles with short fibres are not as good at contracting at rapid speeds.
• Muscles with longer fibres are capable of contracting faster.

Question 11

What is an example of a muscle with a larger CSA, but with short fibres?

Answer 11

Soleous.

Question 12

What is an example of a muscle with a small CSA, but with long muscle fibres?

Answer 12

Sartorius.

Question 13

How can stiffness affect muscular strength?

Answer 13

• Allows elastic energy to be stored effectively.
• This can be used for improving power generation.
• It is able to maintain an optimal length of contractile elements to produce force.