Glossary Flashcards
A-Band
The region of the sarcomere where myosin filaments are predominantly seen with minor overlap of the actin filaments.
Abduction
A movement in the frontal plane away from the midline of the body.
Acceleration
When a muscle exerts more force than is being placed on it, the muscle will shorten; also known as a concentric contraction or force production.
Acidosis
The accumulation of excessive hydrogen that causes increased acidity of the blood and muscle.
Actin
One of the two major myofilaments, actin is the “thin” filament that acts along
with myosin to produce muscular contraction.
Action Potential
Nerve impulse that allows neurons to transmit information.
Active Flexibility
The ability of agonists and synergists to move a limb through the full range of motion while their functional antagonist is being stretched.
Active-Isolated Stretch
The process of using agonists and synergists to dynamically move the joint into a range of motion.
Adduction
Movement in the frontal plane back toward the midline of the body.
Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
A high-energy compound occurring in all cells
from which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is formed.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Energy storage and transfer unit within the cells of
the body.
Adequate Intake (AI)
A recommended average daily nutrient intake level, based on observed (or experimentally determined) approximations or estimates of nutrient intake that are assumed to be adequate for a group (or groups) of healthy people; this measure is used when an RDA cannot be determined.
Afferent Neurons
(Also known as sensory neurons) They gather incoming sensory information from the environment and deliver it to the central nervous system.
Agonist
Muscles that are the primary movers in a joint motion; also known as prime movers.
Alarm Reaction
The first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), the initial reaction to a stressor.
Altered Reciprocal Inhibition
The concept of muscle inhibition, caused by a tight agonist, which inhibits its functional antagonist.
Amortization Phase
The electromechanical delay a muscle experiences in the transition from eccentric (reducing force and storing energy) to concentric (producing force) muscle action.
Anaerobic Threshold
The point during high-intensity activity when the body can no longer meet its demand for oxygen and anaerobic metabolism predominates; also called lactate threshold.
Anatomic Position
The position with the body erect with the arms at the sides and the palms forward. The anatomic position is of importance in anatomy because it is the position of reference for anatomic nomenclature. Anatomic terms such as anterior and posterior, medial and lateral, and abduction and adduction apply to the body when it is in the anatomic position.
Antagonist
Muscles that act in direct opposition to agonists (prime movers).
Anterior
(or Ventral) On the front of the body.
Aortic Semilunar Valve
Controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta going to the entire body.
Appendicular Skeleton
Portion of the skeletal system that includes the upper and lower extremities.
Arteries
Vessels that transport blood away from the heart.
Arterioles
Small terminal branches of an artery, which end in capillaries.
Arteriosclerosis
A general term that refers to hardening (and loss of elasticity) of arteries.
Arthritis
Chronic inflammation of the joints.
Arthrokinetic Dysfunction
- A biomechanical and neuromuscular dysfunction in
which forces at the joint are altered, resulting in abnormal joint movement and pro-prioception. - Altered forces at the joint that result in abnormal muscular activity and impaired neuromuscular communication at the joint.
Arthrokinetic Inhibition
The neuromuscular phenomenon that occurs when a joint dysfunction inhibits the muscles that surround the joint.
Articular (Hyaline) Cartilage
Cartilage that covers the articular surfaces of bones.
Articulation
Junctions of bones, muscles, and connective tissue at which movement occurs; also known as a joint.
Association Stage
Fitt’s second stage in which learners become more consistent with their movement with practice.
Atherosclerosis
- Clogging, narrowing, and hardening of the body’s large arteries and medium-sized blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can lead to stroke, heart attack, eye problems, and kidney problems. 2. Buildup of fatty plaques in arteries that leads to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
Atrioventricular (AV) Node
A small mass of specialized cardiac muscle fibers, located in the wall of the right atrium of the heart, that receives heartbeat impulses from the sinoatrial node and directs them to the walls of the ventricles.
Atrioventricular Valves
Allow for proper blood flow from the atria to the ventricles.
Atrium
The superior chamber of the heart that receives blood from the veins and forces it into the ventricles.
Augmented Feedback
Information provided by some external source such as a fit-ness professional, videotape, or a heart rate monitor.
Autogenic Inhibition
The process by which neural impulses that sense tension are greater than the impulses that cause muscles to contract, providing an inhibitory effect to the muscle spindles.
Autonomous Stage
Fitt’s third stage of motor learning in which the learner has refined the skill to a level of automation.
Axial Skeleton
Portion of the skeletal system that consists of the skull, rib cage, and vertebral column.
Axon
A cylindric projection from the cell body that transmits nervous impulses to other neurons or effector sites.
Backside Mechanics
Proper alignment of the rear leg and pelvis during sprinting, which includes ankle plantar flexion, knee extension, hip extension, and neutral pelvis.
Balance
- The ability to sustain or return the body’s center of mass or line of gravity over its base of support.
- When the body is in equilibrium and stationary, meaning no linear orangular movement.
Ball-and-Socket Joint
Most-mobile joints that allow motion in all three planes. Examples would include the shoulder and hip.
Basal Ganglia
A portion of the lower brain that is instrumental in the initiation and control of repetitive voluntary movements such as walking and running.
Beta-oxidation (a-oxidation)
The breakdown of triglycerides into smaller subunits
called free fatty acids (FFAs) to convert FFAs into acyl-CoA molecules, which then are available to enter the Krebs cycle and ultimately lead to the production of additional ATP.
Bicuspid (Mitral) Valve
Two cusps control the blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Bioenergetic Continuum
Three main pathways used by the kinetic chain to produce ATP.
Biomechanics
- A study that uses principles of physics to quantitatively study how forces interact within a living body. 2. The science concerned with the internal and external forces acting on the human body and the effects produced by these forces.
Bipenniform Muscle Fibers
Muscle fibers that are arranged with short, oblique
fibers that extend from both sides of a long tendon. An example would be the rectus femoris.
Blood Lipids
Also known as cholesterol and triglycerides, blood lipids are carried in the blood stream by protein molecules known as high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins(LDL).
Blood Vessels
Network of hollow tubes that circulates blood throughout the body.
Bracing
Occurs when you have contracted both the abdominal, lower back, and buttock muscles at the same time.
Brainstem
The link between the sensory and motor nerves coming from the brain to the body and vice versa.
calorie
Calorie
calorie - The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water 1°C.
Calorie - A unit of expression of energy equal to 1000 cal. The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of kilogram or lit of water 1°C.
Capillaries
The smallest blood vessels, and the site of exchange of chemicals and water between the blood and the tissues.
Carbohydrates
- Organic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which include starches, cellulose, and sugars, and are an important source of energy. All carbohydrates are eventually broken down in the body to glucose, a simple sugar. 2. Neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses), which make up a large portion of animal foods.
Cardiac Output (Q)
Heart rate x stroke volume, the overall performance of the heart.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
The ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to
supply oxygen rich blood to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity.
Cardiorespiratory System
A system of the body composed of the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems.
Cardiorespiratory Training
Any physical activity that involves and places stress on
the cardiorespiratory system.
Cardiovascular Control Center (CVC)
Directs impulses that will either increase or decrease cardiac output and peripheral resistance based on feedback from all structures involved.
Cell Body
The portion of the neuron that contains the nucleus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and a Golgi complex.
Central Controller
Controls heart rate, left ventricular contractility, and arterial blood pressure by manipulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Cerebellum
A portion of the lower brain that compares sensory information from the body and the external environment with motor information from the cerebral
cortex to ensure smooth coordinated movement.
Cerebral Cortex
A portion of the central nervous system that consists of the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe.
Cervical Spine
The area of the spine containing the seven vertebrae that compose the neck.
Chemoreceptors
Sensory receptors that respond to chemical interaction (smell and taste).
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
The condition of altered airflow through the lungs, generally caused by airway obstruction as a result of mucus production.
Collagen
A protein that is found in connective tissue that provides tensile strength. Collagen, unlike elastin, is not very elastic.
Compound-Sets
Involve the performance of two exercises for antagonistic muscles.
For example, a set of bench presses followed by cable rows (chest/back).
Concentric Muscle Action
When a muscle is exerting force greater than the resistive force, resulting in shortening of the muscle.
Conduction Passageway
Consists of all the structures that air travels through before entering the respiratory passageway.
Condyles
Projections protruding from the bone to which muscles, tendons, and ligaments can attach; also known as a process, epicondyle, tubercle, and trochanter.
Condyloid Joint
A joint where the condyle of one bone fits into the elliptical cavity of another bone to form the joint. An example would include the knee joint.
Contralateral
Positioned on the opposite side of the body.
Core
- The center of the body and the beginning point for movement. 2. The structures that make up the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), including the lumbar spine, the pelvic girdle, abdomen, and the hip joint.
Core Strength
The ability of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex musculature to control an individual’s constantly changing center of gravity.
Coronal Plane
An imaginary plane that bisects the body to create front and back halves; also known as the frontal plane.
Corrective Flexibility
Designed to improve muscle imbalances and altered arthrokinematics.
Creatine Phosphate
A high-energy phosphate molecule that is stored in cells and can be used to resynthesize ATP immediately.
Cumulative Injury Cycle
A cycle whereby an injury will induce inflammation, muscle spasm, adhesions, altered neuromuscular control, and muscle imbalances.
Davis’s Law
States that soft tissue models along the line of stress.
Decelerate
When the muscle is exerting less force than is being placed on it, the muscle lengthens; also known as an eccentric muscle action or force reduction.
Dendrites
A portion of the neuron that is responsible for gathering information from other structures.
Deconditioned
A state of lost physical fitness, which may include muscle imbalances, decreased flexibility, and a lack of core and joint stability.
Depressions
Flattened or indented portions of bone, which can be muscle attachment sites.
Diabetes Mellitus
Chronic metabolic disorder caused by insulin deficiency, which impairs carbohydrate usage and enhances usage of fats and proteins.
Diaphysis
The shaft portion of a long bone.
Diffusion
The process of getting oxygen from the environment to the tissues of the body.
Distal
Positioned farthest from the center of the body, or point of reference.
Dorsal
Refers to a position on the back or toward the back of the body.
Dorsiflexion
When applied to the ankle, the ability to bend at the ankle, moving the front of the foot upward.
Drawing-In Maneuver
- Activation of the transverse abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor muscles, and diaphragm to provide core stabilization. 2. A maneuver used to recruit the local core stabilizers by drawing the navel in toward the spine.
Dynamic Functional Flexibility
Multiplanar soft tissue extensibility with optimal neuromuscular efficiency throughout the full range of motion.
Dynamic Joint Stabilization
The ability of the stabilizing muscles of a joint to produce optimum stabilization during functional, multiplanar movements.
Dynamic Pattern Perspective (DPP)
The theory that suggests that movement patterns are produced as a result of the combined interactions among many systems (nervous, muscular, skeletal, mechanical, environmental, past experiences, and so
forth).
Dynamic Range of Motion
The combination of flexibility and the nervous system’s
ability to control this range of motion efficiently.
Dynamic Stabilization
When a muscle is exerting force equal to the force being placed on it. Also known as an isometric contraction
Dynamic Stretching
- Uses the force production of a muscle and the body’s momentum to take a joint through the full available range of motion. 2. The active extension of a muscle, using force production and momentum, to move the joint through the full available range of motion.
Eccentric Muscle Action
An eccentric muscle action occurs when a muscle develops tension while lengthening
Effectors
Any structure innervated by the nervous system including organs, glands, muscle tissue, connective tissue, blood vessels, bone marrow, and so forth.
Efferent Neurons
Neurons that transmit nerve impulses from the brain or spinal cord to the effector sites such as muscles or glands; also known as motor
neurons.
Elastin
A protein that is found in connective tissue that has elastic properties.
Endocrine System
The system of glands in the human body that is responsible for producing hormones
Endomysium
The deepest layer of connective tissue that surrounds individual muscle fibers.
Energy-Utilizing
When energy is gathered from an energy-yielding source by some storage unit (ATP) and then transferred to a site that can use this energy
Epicondyle
Projections protruding from the bone to which muscles, tendons, and ligaments can attach; also known as a condyle, process, tubercle, and trochanter.
Epimysium
A layer of connective tissue that is underneath the fascia and surrounds the muscle.
Epiphyseal Plates
The region of long bone connecting the diaphysis to the epiphysis. It is a layer of subdividing cartilaginous cells in which growth in length of the
diaphysis occurs.
Epiphysis
The end of long bones, which is mainly composed of cancellous bone, and house much of the red marrow involved in red blood cell production. They are also
one of the primary sites for bone growth.
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
The average daily nutrient intake level that is estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals who are in a particular life stage and gender group.
Eversion
A movement in which the inferior calcaneus moves laterally.
Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC)
The state in which the body’s metabolism is elevated after exercise.
Excitation-Contraction Coupling
The process of neural stimulation creating a muscle contraction.
Exercise Metabolism
The examination of bioenergetics as it relates to the unique physiologic changes and demands placed on the body during exercise.
Exhaustion
The third stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), when prolonged stress or stress that is intolerable produces exhaustion or distress to the
system.
Expiration
The process of actively or passively relaxing the inspiratory muscles to move air out of the body
Explosive Strength
The ability to develop a sharp rise in force production once a movement pattern has been initiated.
Extensibility
Capability to be elongated or stretched.
Extension
A straightening movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments increases.
External Feedback
Information provided by some external source, such as a health and fitness professional, videotape, mirror, or heart rate monitor, to supplement the internal environment.
External Rotation
Rotation of a joint away from the middle of the body.
Fan-Shaped Muscle
A muscular fiber arrangement that has muscle fibers span out from a narrow attachment at one end to a broad attachment at the other end. An
example would be the pectoralis major.
Fascia
The outermost layer of connective tissue that surrounds the muscle
Fascicle
A grouping of muscle fibers that house myofibrils.
Fast Twitch Fibers
Muscle fibers that can also be characterized by the term type IIA and IIB. These fibers contain fewer capillaries, mitochondria, and myoglobin. These fibers fatigue faster than type I fibers.
Fat
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body. Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. They also serve as energy stores for the body. In food, there are two types of fats, saturated and unsaturated.
Feedback
- The utilization of sensory information and sensorimotor integration to aid the kinetic chain in the development of permanent neural representations of
motor patterns. 2. The use of sensory information and sensorimotor integration to help the human movement system in motor learning.
Flat Bones
A classification of bone that is involved in protection and provides attachment sites for muscles. Examples include the sternum and scapulae.
Flexion
A bending movement in which the relative angle between two adjacent segments decreases.
Force
An influence applied by one object to another, which results in an acceleration or deceleration of the second object.
Force-Couple
Muscle groups moving together to produce movement around a joint
Force-Velocity Curve
The ability of muscles to produce force with increasing velocity.
Formed Elements
Refers to the cellular component of blood that includes erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes.
Fossa
A depression or indented portion of bone, which could be a muscle attachment site; also known as a depression
Frontal Lobe
A portion of the cerebral cortex that contains structures necessary for the planning and control of voluntary movement.
Frontal Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into front and back halves.
Frontside Mechanics
Proper alignment of the lead leg and pelvis during sprinting, which includes ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion, hip flexion, and neutral pelvis.
Functional Efficiency
The ability of the nervous and muscular systems to move in the most efficient manner while placing the least amount of stress on the kinetic chain.
Functional Flexibility
Integrated, multiplanar, soft tissue extensibility with optimum neuromuscular control through the full range of motion.
Functional Strength
The ability of the neuromuscular system to perform dynamic eccentric, isometric, and concentric contractions efficiently in a multiplanar
environment.
Fusiform
A muscular fiber arrangement that has a full muscle belly that tapers off at both ends. An example would include the biceps brachii.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
- A syndrome in which the kinetic chain responds and adapts to imposed demands. 2. A term used to describe how the body responds and adapts to stress.
Generalized Motor Program (GMP)
A motor program for a distinct category of movements or actions, such as overhand throwing, kicking, or running.
General Warm-Up
- Consists of movements that do not necessarily have any movement specificity to the actual activity to be performed. 2. Low-intensity exercise consisting of movements that do not necessarily relate to the more intense exercise
that is to follow.
Gliding Joint
A nonaxial joint that moves back and forth or side to side. Examples would include the carpals of the hand and the facet joints.
Gluconeogenesis
The formation of glucose from noncarbohydrate sources, such as amino acids.
Glucose
A simple sugar manufactured by the body from carbohydrates, fat, and to a lesser extent protein, which serves as the body’s main source of fuel.
Glycemic Index
A ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods based on the food’s effect on blood sugar compared with a standard reference food’s effect.
Glycogen
The complex carbohydrate molecule used to store carbohydrates in the liver and muscle cells. When carbohydrate energy is needed, glycogen is converted into glucose for use by the muscle cells
Golgi Tendon Organs
Receptors sensitive to change in tension of the muscle and the rate of that change.
Goniometric Assessment
Technique measuring angular measurement and joint range of motion.
Ground Reaction Force (GRF)
The equal and opposite force that is exerted back onto the body with every step that is taken.
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells and also gives blood its red color.
Hinge Joint
A uniaxial joint that allows movement in one plane of motion. Examples would include the elbow and ankle.
Homeostasis
The ability or tendency of an organism or a cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiologic processes.
Horizontal Abduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from an anterior position to a lateral position.
Horizontal Adduction
Movement of the arm or thigh in the transverse plane from a lateral position to an anterior position.
Horizontal Loading
Performing all sets of an exercise or body part before moving on to the next exercise or body part.
Human Movement Science
The study of functional anatomy, functional biomechanics, motion learning, and motor control.
Human Movement System
The combination and interrelation of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.
Hypercholesterolemia
Chronic high levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream
Hyperglycemia
Abnormally high blood sugar
Hyperlipidemia
Elevated levels of blood fats (e.g., triglycerides, cholesterol).
Hypertension
Consistently elevated arterial blood pressure, which, if sustained at a high enough level, is likely to induce cardiovascular or end-organ damage.
Hypertrophy
Enlargement of skeletal muscle fibers in response to overcoming force from high volumes of tension
H-Zone
The area of the sarcomere where only myosin filaments are present.
I-Band
The area of the sarcomere where only actin filaments are present.
Inferior
Positioned below a point of reference.
Insertion
The part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved—compare with origin.
Inspiration
The process of actively contracting the inspiratory muscles to move air into the body.
Insulin
A protein hormone released by the pancreas that helps glucose move out of the blood and into the cells in the body, where the glucose can be used as energy and nourishment.
Integrated Performance Paradigm
To move with efficiency, forces must be dampened
eccentrically), stabilized (isometrically), and then accelerated (concentrically
Integrated Fitness Profile
A systematic problem-solving method that provides the fitness professional with a basis for making educated decisions about exercise and acute variable selection.
Integrated Flexibility Training
A multifaceted approach integrating various flexibility techniques to achieve optimum soft tissue extensibility in all planes of
motion.
Integrated Training
A concept that applies all forms of training such as integrated flexibility training, integrated cardiorespiratory training, neuromuscular stabilization (balance), core stabilization, and reactive neuromuscular training (power), and integrated strength training.
Integrative (Function of Nervous System)
The ability of the nervous system to analyze and interpret sensory information to allow for proper decision making,
which produces the appropriate response.
Intermittent Claudication
The manifestation of the symptoms caused by peripheral arterial disease.
Interneurons
Transmit nerve impulses from one neuron to another.
Intermuscular Coordination
The ability of the neuromuscular system to allow all muscles to work together with proper activation and timing between them.
Intramuscular Coordination
The ability of the neuromuscular system to allow optimal levels of motor unit recruitment and synchronization within a muscle.
Intrapulmonary Pressure
Pressure within the thoracic cavity.
Inversion
A movement in which the inferior calcaneus moves medially.
Ipsilateral
Positioned on the same side of the body.
Irregular Bones
A classification of bone that has its own unique shape and function, which does not fit the characteristics of the other categories. Examples include the vertebrae and pelvic bones.
Isokinetic Muscle Action
When a muscle shortens at a constant speed over the full range of motion.
Isometric Muscle Action
When a muscle is exerting force equal to the force being placed on it leading to no visible change in the muscle length.
Joints
Junctions of bones, muscles, and connective tissue at which movement occurs; also known as an articulation
Joint Motion
Movement in a plane occurs about an axis running perpendicular to the plane.
Joint Receptors
Receptors surrounding a joint that respond to pressure, acceleration, and deceleration of the joint
Joint Stiffness
Resistance to unwanted movement.
Kilocalorie
A unit of expression of energy equal to 1000 calories. The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of kilogram or liter of water 1°Celsius.
Kinetic
Force.
Kinetic Chain
The combination and interrelation of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems.
Knowledge of Performance (KP)
A method of feedback that provides information about the quality of the movement pattern performed.
Knowledge of Results (KR)
A method of feedback after the completion of a movement to inform the client about the outcome of their performance.
Kyphosis
Exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column resulting in a rounded upper back.
Lactic Acid
An acid produced by glucose-burning cells when these cells have an insufficient supply of oxygen.
Lateral
Positioned toward the outside of the body.
Lateral Flexion
The bending of the spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) from side to side.
Law of Acceleration
Acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the size of the force causing it, in the same direction as the force, and inversely proportional to the size of the object.
Law of Action-Reaction
Every force produced by one object onto another produces an opposite force of equal magnitude
Law of Gravitation
Two bodies have an attraction to each other that is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of their distance from each other.
Law of Thermodynamics
Weight reduction can only take place when there is more energy burned than consumed.
Length-Tension Relationship
The resting length of a muscle and the tension the muscle can produce at this resting length
Leukocytes
White blood cells
Ligament
Primary connective tissue that connects bones together and provides stability, input to the nervous system, guidance, and the limitation of
improper joint movement.
Limit Strength
The maximum force a muscle can produce in a single contraction.
Lipids
A group of compounds that includes triglycerides (fats and oils), phospholipids,
and sterols.
Long Bones
A characteristic of bone that has a long cylindric body with irregular or widened bony ends. Examples include the clavicle and humerus.
Longitudinal Muscle Fiber
A muscle fiber arrangement in which its fibers run parallel to the line of pull. An example would include the sartorius.
Lower-Brain
The portion of the brain that includes the brainstem, the basal ganglia, and the cerebellum.
Lower-Extremity Postural Distortion
An individual who has increased lumbar lordosis and an anterior pelvic tilt.
Lumbar Spine
The portion of the spine, commonly referred to as the small of the back. The lumbar portion of the spine is located between the thorax (chest) and the pelvis.
Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex
Involves the anatomic structures of the lumbar and thoracic spines, the pelvic girdle, and the hip joint.
Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Postural Distortion
Altered joint mechanics in an individual that lead to increased lumbar extension and decreased hip extension.
Maximal Oxygen Consumption (Vo2max)
The highest rate of oxygen transport and utilization achieved at maximal physical exertion.
Maximal Strength
The maximum force an individual’s muscle can produce in a single voluntary effort, regardless of the rate of force production.
Mechanical Specificity
- The specific muscular exercises using different weights and movements that are performed to increase strength or endurance in certain body parts. 2. Refers to the weight and movements placed on the body.
Mechanoreceptors
Sensory receptors responsible for sensing distortion in body tissues.
Medial
Positioned near the middle of the body.
Mediastinum
The space in the chest between the lungs that contains all the internal organs of the chest except the lungs.
Medullar Cavity
The central cavity of bone shafts where marrow is stored.
Metabolic Specificity
- The specific muscular exercises using different levels of energy that are performed to increase endurance, strength, or power. 2. Refers to the energy demand placed on the body.
Metabolism
All of the chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain itself. Metabolism is the process in which nutrients are acquired, transported, used, and
disposed of by the body
Mitochondria
The mitochondria are the principal energy source of the cell. Mitochondria convert nutrients into energy as well as doing many other specialized tasks.
M-Line
The portion of the sarcomere where the myosin filaments connect with very thin filaments called titin and create an anchor for the structures of the sarcomere.
Momentum
The product of the size of the object (mass) and its velocity (speed with which it is moving).
Mode
Type of exercise performed
Motor Behavior
- The manner in which the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems interact to produce an observable mechanical response to the incoming sensory information from the internal and external environments. 2. Motor response to internal and external environmental stimuli.
Motor Control
- The involved structures and mechanisms that the nervous system uses to gather sensory information and integrate it with previous experiences to produce a motor response. 2. How the central nervous system integrates internal and external sensory information with previous experiences to produce a motor response.
Motor (Function of Nervous System)
The neuromuscular response to the sensory information.
Motor Learning
The integration of motor control processes with practice and experience that lead to relatively permanent changes in the capacity to produced skilled movements.
Motor (Efferent) Neurons
Transmit nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord to effector sites.
Motor Unit
A motor neuron and all of the muscle fibers it innervates.
Multipenniform
Muscles that have multiple tendons with obliquely running muscle fibers.
Multisensory Condition
Training environment that provides heightened stimulation to proprioceptors and mechanoreceptors
Muscle Action Spectrum
The range of muscle actions that include concentric, eccentric, and isometric actions.
Muscle Fiber Arrangement
Refers to the manner in which the fibers are situated in relation to the tendon
Muscle Fiber Recruitment
Refers to the recruitment pattern of muscle fiber or motor units in response to creating force for a specific movement.
Muscle Hypertrophy
- Characterized by the increase in the cross-sectional area of individual muscle fibers and believed to result from an increase in the myofibril
proteins. 2. Enlargement of skeletal muscle fibers in response to overcoming force from high volumes of tension.
Muscle Imbalance
Alteration of muscle length surrounding a joint
Muscle Spindles
Receptors sensitive to change in length of the muscle and the rate of that change
Muscle Synergies
Groups of muscles that are recruited by the central nervous system to provide movement
Muscular Endurance
- A muscle’s ability to contract for an extended period. 2. The ability to produce and maintain force production over prolonged periods of time
Myofibrils
A portion of muscle that contains myofilaments.
Myofilaments
The contractile components of muscle, actin, and myosin
Myosin
One of the two major myofilaments known as the thick filament that works with actin to produce muscular contraction.
Nervous System
A conglomeration of billions of cells specifically designed to provide a communication network within the human body
Neural Activation
The contraction of a muscle generated by neural stimulation
Neural Adaptation
An adaptation to strength training in which muscles are under the direct command of the nervous system.
Neuromuscular Efficiency
- The ability of the neuromuscular system to enable all muscles to efficiently work together in all planes of motion. 2. The ability of the neuromuscular system to allow agonists, antagonists, and stabilizers to work synergistically
to produce, reduce, and dynamically stabilize the entire kinetic chain in all three planes of motion.
Neuromuscular Junction
The point at which the neuron meets the muscle to allow the action potential to continue its impulse.
Neuromuscular Specificity
- The specific muscular exercises using different speeds and styles that are performed to increase neuromuscular efficiency. 2. Refers to the speed of contraction and exercise selection.
Neuron
The functional unit of the nervous system.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross the neuromuscular junction (synapse) to transmit electrical impulses from the nerve to the muscle.
Neutralizer
Muscles that counteract the unwanted action of other muscles
Nociceptors
Sensory receptors that respond to pain.
Nonsynovial Joints
Joints that do not have a joint cavity, connective tissue, or cartilage
Novice Stage
The first stage of the dynamic pattern perspective model in which the learner simplifies movements by minimizing the specific timing of joint motions, which tends to result in movement that is rigid and jerky.
Nutrition
The process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and repair of tissues
Occipital Lobe
A portion of the cerebral cortex that deals with vision.
Optimal Strength
The ideal level of strength that an individual needs to perform functional activities.
Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™)
A systematic, integrated, and functional training program that simultaneously improves an individual’s biomotor
abilities and builds high levels of functional strength, neuromuscular efficiency, and dynamic flexibility.
Origin
The more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle—compare with insertion.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis in which cartilage becomes soft, frayed, or thins out, as a result of trauma or other conditions.
Osteoblasts
A type of cell that is responsible for bone formation.
Osteoclasts
A type of bone cell that removes bone tissue.
Osteopenia
A decrease in the calcification or density of bone as well as reduced bone mass.
Osteoporosis
Condition in which there is a decrease in bone mass and density as well as an increase in the space between bones, resulting in porosity and fragility.
Overtraining
Excessive frequency, volume, or intensity of training, resulting in fatigue (which is also caused by a lack of proper rest and recovery).
Oxygen Uptake Reserve (Vo2R)
The difference between resting and maximal or peak oxygen consumption.
Parietal Lobe
A portion of the cerebral cortex that is involved with sensory information.
Pattern Overload
- Repetitive physical activity that moves through the same patterns of motion, placing the same stresses on the body over time. 2. Consistently repeating the same pattern of motion, which may place abnormal stresses on the body.
Perception
The integrating of sensory information with past experiences or memories
Perimysium
The connective tissue that surrounds fascicles
Periodization
Division of a training program into smaller, progressive stages.
Periosteum
A dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps(invests) all bone, except that of the articulating surfaces in joints, which are covered by a synovial membrane.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
A condition characterized by narrowing of the major arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the lower extremities.
Peripheral Heart Action System (PHA)
A variation of circuit training in which the client performs four to six exercises in a row, rests for 30 to 45 seconds, then moves to the next sequence of different exercise and continues the pattern.
Peripheral Nervous System
Cranial and spinal nerves that spread throughout the body.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
A group of diseases in which blood vessels become restricted or blocked, typically as a result of atherosclerosis.
Photoreceptors
Sensory receptors that respond to light (vision).
Pivot Joint
Allows movement in predominately the transverse plane; examples would include the alantoaxial joint at the base of the skull and between the radioulnar joint.
Plane of Motion
Refers to the plane (sagittal, frontal, or transverse) in which the exercise is performed.
Plantarflexion
Ankle motion such that the toes are pointed toward the ground.
Plasma
Aqueous liquidlike component of blood.
Plyometric (Reactive) Training
Exercises that generate quick, powerful movements involving an explosive concentric muscle contraction preceded by an eccentric muscle action.
Posterior (Dorsal)
On the back of the body.
Posterior Pelvic Tilt
A movement in which the pelvis rotates backward.
Postural Distortion Patterns
Predictable patterns of muscle imbalances
Postural Equilibrium
The ability to efficiently maintain balance throughout the body segments.
Posture
Position and bearing of the body for alignment and function of the kinetic chain.
Power
Ability of the neuromuscular system to produce the greatest force in the shortest time.
Preprogrammed
Activation of muscles in healthy people that occurs automatically and independently of other muscles before movement
Prime Mover
The muscle that acts as the initial and main source of motive power.
Principle of Individualism
Refers to the uniqueness of a program to the client for whom it is designed.
Principle of Overload
Implies that there must be a training stimulus provided that exceeds the current capabilities of the kinetic chain to elicit the optimal physical, physiologic, and performance adaptations.
Principle of Progression
Refers to the intentional manner in which a program is designed to progress according to the physiologic capabilities of the kinetic chain and the goals of the client
Principle of Specificity or Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands (SAID Principle)
Principle that states the body will adapt to the specific demands that are placed on it.
Processes
Projections protruding from the bone where muscles, tendons, and ligaments can attach.
Pronation
A triplanar movement that is associated with force reduction.
Proprioception
The cumulative sensory input to the central nervous system from all mechanoreceptors that sense body position and limb movements.
Proprioceptively Enriched Environment
An unstable (yet controllable) physical situation in which exercises are performed that causes the body to use its internal balance and stabilization mechanisms.
Protein
Amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which consist of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and usually sulfur, and that have several essential biologic
compounds.
Proximal
Positioned nearest the center of the body or point of reference.
Pulmonary Arteries
Deoxygenated blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs through these arteries.
Pulmonary Capillaries
Surround the alveolar sacs. As oxygen fills the sacs it diffuses across the capillary membranes and into the bloodstream.
Pulmonary Semilunar Valve
Controls blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries going to the lungs.
Pyruvate
A byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis.
Quadrilateral Muscle Fiber
An arrangement of muscle fibers that is usually flat and four-sided. An example would include the rhomboid.
Quickness
The ability to react and change body position with maximal rate of force production, in all planes of motion and from all body positions, during functional activities.
Range of Motion
Refers to the range that the body or bodily segments move during an exercise.
Rate Coding
Muscular force can be amplified by increasing the rate of incoming impulses from the motor neuron after all prospective motor units have been activated.
Rate of Force Production
Ability of muscles to exert maximal force output in a minimal amount of time.
Reactive Strength
The ability of the neuromuscular system to switch from an eccentric contraction to a concentric contraction quickly and efficiently.
Reactive Training
Exercises that use quick, powerful movements involving an eccentric contraction immediately followed by an explosive concentric contraction.
Reciprocal Inhibition
The simultaneous contraction of one muscle and the relaxation of its antagonist to allow movement to take place.
Relative Flexibility
The tendency of the body to seek the path of least resistance during functional movement patterns.
Relative Strength
The maximum force that an individual can generate per unit of body weight, regardless of the time of force development.
Remodeling
The process of resorption and formation of bone
Resistance Development
The second stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), when the body increases its functional capacity to adapt to the stressor.
Respiratory Passageway
Collects the channelled air coming from the conducting passageway.
Respiratory Pump
Is composed of skeletal structures (bones) and soft tissues (muscles) that work together to allow proper respiratory mechanics to occur and help pump blood back to the heart during inspiration.
Respiratory System
A system of organs (the lungs and respiratory passageways) that collects oxygen from the external environment and transports it to the bloodstream.
Restrictive Lung Disease
The condition of a fibrous lung tissue, which results in a decreased ability to expand the lungs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis primarily affecting connective tissues, in which there is a thickening of articular soft tissue, and extension of synovial tissue over articular cartilages that have become eroded.
Roll
The joint motion that depicts the rolling of one joint surface on another. Examples would include that of the femoral condyles over the tibial condyles during a squat.
Root Cause Analysis
A method of asking questions on a step-by-step basis to discover the initial cause of a fault.
Rotary Motion
Movement of the bones around the joints.
Saddle Joint
One bone is shaped as a saddle, the other bone is shaped as the rider; the only example is in the carpometacarpal joint in the thumb.
Sagittal Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into left and right halves.
Sarcolemma
A plasma membrane that surrounds muscle fibers.
Sarcomere
The functional unit of muscle that produces muscular contraction and consists of repeating sections of actin and myosin.
Sarcoplasm
Cell components that contain glycogen, fats, minerals, and oxygen that are contained within the sarcolemma.
Scapular Depression
Downward (inferior) motion of the scapula.
Scapular Elevation
Upward (superior) motion of the scapula.
Scapular Protraction
Abduction of scapula; shoulder blades move away from the midline.
Scapular Retraction
Adduction of scapula; shoulder blades move toward the midline
Self-Organization
This theory, which is based on the dynamic pattern perspective, provides the body with the ability to overcome changes that are placed on it.
Semilunar Valves
Allow for proper blood flow from the ventricles to the aorta and pulmonary arteries.
Sensation
The process whereby sensory information is received by the receptor and transferred either to the spinal cord for reflexive motor behavior or to higher cortical areas for processing.
Sensorimotor Integration
- The ability of the nervous system to gather and interpret sensory information to anticipate, select, and execute the proper motor
response. 2. The cooperation of the nervous and muscular system in gathering and interpreting information and executing movement.
Sensors
Provide feedback from the effectors to the central controller and cardiovascular control system. They include baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and muscle afferents.
Sensory Feedback
The process whereby sensory information is used to reactively monitor movement and the environment
Sensory (Function of Nervous System)
The ability of the nervous system to sense changes in either the internal or external environment
Sensory (Afferent) Neurons
Transmit nerve impulses from effector sites (such as muscles and organs) via receptors to the brain and spinal cord.
Short Bones
A classification of bone that appears cubical in shape. Examples include the carpals and tarsals
Single-Set System
The individual performs one set of each exercise, usually 8 to 12 repetitions at a slow, controlled tempo
Sinoatrial (SA) Node
A specialized area of cardiac tissue, located in the right atrium of the heart, which initiates the electrical impulses that determine the heart rate; often termed the pacemaker for the heart.
Slide
The joint motion that depicts the sliding of a joint surface across another. Examples would include the tibial condyles moving across the femoral condyles
during a knee extension
Sliding Filament Theory
The proposed process by which the contraction of the filaments within the sarcomere takes place
Slow Twitch Fibers
Another term for type I muscle fibers, fibers that are characterized by a greater amount of capillaries, mitochondria, and myoglobin. These fibers are usually found to have a higher endurance capacity than fast twitch fibers.
Specific Warm-Up
Low-intensity exercise consisting of movements that mimic those that will be included in the more intense exercise that is to follow.
Speed Strength
The ability of the neuromuscular system to produce the greatest possible force in the shortest possible time
Spin
Joint motion that depicts the rotation of one joint surface on another. Examples would include the head of the radius rotating on the end of the humerus during pronation and supination of the forearm.
Split-Routine System
A system that incorporates training an individual’s body parts with a high volume on separate days.
Stability
The ability of the body to maintain postural equilibrium and support joints during movement
Stabilization Endurance
The ability of the stabilization mechanisms of the kinetic chain to sustain proper levels of stabilization to allow for prolonged neuromuscular efficiency.
Stabilization Strength
Ability of the stabilizing muscles to provide dynamic joint stabilization and postural equilibrium during functional activities.
Stabilizer
Muscles that support or stabilize the body while the prime movers and the synergists perform the movement patterns.
Starting Strength
The ability to produce high levels of force at the beginning of a movement.
Static Stretching
The process of passively taking a muscle to the point of tension and holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds
Strength
The ability of the neuromuscular system to produce internal tension to overcome an external load
Strength Endurance
The ability of the body to repeatedly produce high levels of force for prolonged periods.
Stroke Volume (SV)
The amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction.
Structural Efficiency
The structural alignment of the muscular and skeletal systems that allows the body to be balanced in relation to its center of gravity.
Substrates
The material or substance on which an enzyme acts.
Sucrose
Often referred to as table sugar, it is a molecule made up of glucose and fructose.
Sulcus
A groove in a bone that allows a soft structure to pass through.
Supination
A triplanar motion that is associated with force production.
Supine
Lying on one’s back.
Synarthrosis Joint
A joint without any joint cavity and fibrous connective tissue. Examples would include the sutures of the skull and the symphysis pubis.
Synergist
Muscles that assist prime movers during functional movement patterns
Synergistic Dominance
- When synergists take over function for a weak or inhibited prime mover. 2. The neuromuscular phenomenon that occurs when inappropriate muscles take over the function of a weak or inhibited prime mover.
Synovial Joints
Joints that are held together by a joint capsule and ligaments and are most associated with movement in the body.
Temporal Lobe
A portion of the cerebral cortex that deals with hearing
Tendons
Connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and provide an anchor for muscles to produce force
Tendonitis
An inflammation in a tendon or the tendon covering.
Thoracic Spine
The 12 vertebrae in mid torso that are attached to the rib cage.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse health effects increases.
Torque
- The ability of any force to cause rotation around an axis. 2. A force that producesrotation. Common unit of torque is the newton-meter or Nm.
Training Intensity
An individual’s level of effort, compared with their maximal effort, which is usually expressed as a percentage
Training Plan
The specific outline, created by a fitness professional to meet a client’s goals, that details the form of training, length of time, future changes, and specific exercises to be performed.
Transfer-of-Training Effect
The more similar the exercise is to the actual activity, the greater the carryover into real-life settings.
Transverse Plane
An imaginary bisector that divides the body into top and bottom halves.
Tricuspid Valve
Controls the blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
Triglycerides
The chemical or substrate form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body.
Tri-Sets System
A system very similar to supersets, the difference being three exercises back to back to back with little to no rest in between.
Trochanter
Projections protruding from the bone to which muscles, tendons, and ligaments can attach; also known as a condyle, process, tubercle, and epicondyle
Tubercle
Projections protruding from the bone to which muscles, tendons, and ligaments can attach; also known as a condyle, process, epicondyle, and trochanter.
Unipenniform Muscle Fiber
Muscle fibers that are arranged with short, oblique fibers that extend from one side of a long tendon. An example would include the tibialis posterior.
Upper-Extremity Postural Distortion
An individual who exhibits a forward head, rounded shoulder posture.
Valsalva Maneuver
A maneuver in which a person tries to exhale forcibly with a closed glottis(windpipe) so that no air exits through the mouth or nose as, for
example, in lifting a heavyweight. The Valsalva maneuver impedes the return of venous blood to the heart.
Veins
Vessels that transport blood from the capillaries toward the heart
Ventilation
The actual process of moving air in and out of the body.
Ventilatory Threshold
The point during graded exercise in which ventilation increases disproportionately to oxygen uptake, signifying a switch from predominately aerobic energy production to anaerobic energy production.
Ventral
Refers to a position on the front or toward the front of the body.
Ventricles
The inferior chamber of the heart that receives blood from its corresponding atrium and, in turn, forces blood into the arteries.
Venules
The very small veins that connect capillaries to the larger veins.
Vertebral Column
A series of irregularly shaped bones called vertebrae that houses the spinal cord.
Vertical Loading
Alternating body parts trained from set to set, starting from the upper extremity and moving to the lower extremity.
Vo2max
The highest rate of oxygen transport and utilization achieved at maximal physical exertion
