Muscle Fibres

Question 1

What are the three muscle fibre types?

Answer 1

Slow oxidative (type 1)

Fast oxidative (type 2a)

Fast glycolytic (type 2x)

Question 2

What are the characteristics of slow oxidative (type 1) muscle fibres?

Answer 2

Slow contraction speed
Small motor neurone size
Low force of contraction
Slow fatigue
High mitochondria
High myoglobin
High capillary density
Aerobic

Question 3

What are the characteristics of fast oxidative (type 2a) muscle fibres?

Answer 3

Fast contraction speed
Large motor neurone size
High force produced
Medium fatigue rate
Medium mitochondria
Medium myoglobin
Medium capillary density
Anaerobic

Question 4

What are the characteristics of fast glycolytic (type 2x) muscle fibres?

Answer 4

Fast contraction speed
Large motor neurone size
Large force produced
Quick fatigue
Low mitochondria
Low myoglobin
Low capillary density
Anaerobic