GLOSSARY Flashcards
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body
Abrasion
A scraping away of a portion of the skin or mucous membrane
Absolute Strength
The maximal amount of weight an individual can lift at one time
Absoprtion
The uptake of nutrients across a tissue or membrane by the gastrointestinal tract
Acclimatize
To physiologically adapt to an unfamiliar environment and achieve a new steady state. For example, the body an adjust to a high altitude or a hot climate and gain an increased capacity to work in those conditions
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A syndrome of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (type HIV-1 or HIV-2) and characterized by opportunistic infection and disease
Actin
Thin contractile protein in a myofibril
Action
The stage of the transtheoretical model of behavior change during which the individual started a new behavior less than six months ago
Activities of daily living (ADL)
Activities normally performed for hygiene, bathing, household chores, walking, shopping, and similar activities
Acute
Descriptive of a condition that usually has a rapid onset and a relatively short and severe course; opposite of chronic
Acute coronary syndrome
A sudden, severe coronary event that mimics a heart attack, such as unstable angina
Adduction
Movement toward the midline of the body
Adenosine
A naturally occurring enzyme that forms the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
A high-energy phosphate molecule required to provide energy for cellular function. Produced both aerobically and anaerobically and stored in the body
Adherence
The extent to which people stick to their plans or treatment recommendations. Exercise adherence is the extent to which people follow, or stick to, an exercise program
Adipose
Fat cells stored in adipose tissue
Adipose tissue
Fatty tissue; connective tissue made up of fat cells
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that affects various important bodily functions; controls the secretion in the adrenal gland of hormones that influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium; also controls the rate at which substances are exchanged between the blood and tissues
Aerobic
In the presence of oxygen
Aerobic power
See VO2max
Agonist
The muscle directly responsible for observed movement; also called the prime mover
Agreement to participate
Signed document that indicates that the client is aware of inherent risks and potential injuries that can occur from participation
Air displacement plethysmography (ADP)
A body-composition assessment technique based on the same body volume measurement principle as hydrostatic weighing; uses air instead of water
Alexander Technique
Teaches the transformation of neuromuscular habits by helping an individual focus on sensory experiences. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, and coordination, and corrects unconscious habits of posture and movement, which may be precursors to injuries
Allergen
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction by stimulating type-1 hypersensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals
Alveoli
Spherical extensions of the respiratory bronchioles and the primary sites of gas exchange between the lungs and the blood
Alzheimer’s disease
An age-related, progressive disease characterized by death of nerve cells in the brain leading to a loss of cognitive function; the cause of the nerve cell death is unknown
Ambient temperature
The temperature of the surrounding air; room temperature
American Society of Composers, Artists, and Publishers (ASCAP)
One of two performing rights societies in the United States that represent music publishers in negotiating and collecting fees for the non-dramatic performance of music
Amortization phase
The transition period between the eccentric and concentric actions during plyometrics; a crucial part of the stretch-shortening cycle that contributes to power development
Anabolic
Muscle-building effects
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS)
Synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone; used for their muscle-building characteristics
Anaerobic
Without the presence of oxygen
Anaerobic capacity
the sustainability of power output for brief periods of time
Anaerobic glycolysis
The metabolic pathway that uses glucose for energy production without requiring oxygen. Sometimes referred to as the lactic acid system or anaerobic glucose system, it produces lactic acid as a by-product
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 the lactate threshold
Android
Adipose tissue or body fat distributed in the abdominal area (apple-shaped individuals)
Androstenedione
A steroid produced by the adrenal glands that is a precursor to testosterone and other androgens; has been used as a supplement to increase muscle strength
Anemia/Anemic
A reduction in the number of red blood cells and/or quantity of hemoglobin per volume of blood below normal values
Aneurysm
A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel; associated with a stroke when the aneurysm bursts
Angina
A common symptom of coronary artery disease characterized by chest pain, tightness, or radiating pain resulting from a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle