Muscle Fibre Recruitment

Question 1

Define wave summation

Answer 1

The increase in the force of muscular contraction resulting from repeated stimulation of a muscle before it has fully relaxed.

Question 2

Define spatial summation
(THERE ARE 2 ROLES)

Answer 2

The recruitment of additional motor units to increase the strength of a muscular contraction.
AND
When another motor unit is recruitment to allow a separate one to relax

Question 3

Define tetanus

Answer 3

A sustained muscular contraction caused by rapid and repeated stimulation with no time for relaxation.

Question 4

Define the “All or None Law”

Answer 4

A motor unit either fully contracts or does not contract at all when the threshold level of stimulation is reached.

Question 5

Define Action Potenital

Answer 5

An electrical impulse that travels along a neuron, triggering muscle contraction when it reaches the motor unit.

Question 6

Define neuromuscular junction

Answer 6

The synapse where a motor neuron meets a muscle fiber, enabling the transmission of nerve impulses to initiate muscle contraction.

Question 7

What is the role of a motor neuron?

Answer 7

A motor neuron carries electrical impulses from the central nervous system (CNS) to a muscle, causing it to contract.

Question 8

How does the action potential trigger muscle contraction?

Answer 8

The action potential reaches the neuromuscular junction, releasing neurotransmitters, which stimulate the muscle fiber to contract.

Question 9

What are neurotransmitters, and why are they important?

Answer 9

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across the synapse to stimulate muscle contraction or other responses.

Question 10

Where is the Central Nervous System (CNS) located?

Answer 10

The CNS is located in the brain and spinal cord. It processes information and coordinates responses throughout the body.