Muscular: Responses of the muscular system to exercise

Question 1

Increased blood supply

Answer 1

-Muscles require more energy during exercise.
-Oxygen is transported in the blood via red blood cells.
-Done through a process called vascular shunting.
-Muscles vasolidate to allow increased passage.

Question 2

Increased muscle temperature

Answer 2

-During an exercise muscles need energy from fuels such as fat and carbohydrates.
-Chemical reactions are used to break these fuels down and this produces heat as a waste product.
-Heat produced is a direct represenation to how hard the body is working.
-Warm ups are used to prepare the muscles for exercise by gradually inreasing their temperature.

Question 3

Increased muscle pliability

Answer 3

-As muscles are warmed up, they become more flexibile and pliable.
-Pliable muscles are less likely to suffer injuries such as muscle strains.
-Increase in pliability will improve joint flexibility.

Question 4

Lactate accumulation

Answer 4

-Lactic acid is a waste product that is produced during anaerobic exercise.
-The build-up of lactic acid causes a burning sensation and rapid fatigue.
-Lactic acid impedes muscle contraction.

Question 5

DOMS

Answer 5

-Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is the pain felt in muscles 24-48hrs after strenuous activities.
-DOMS is caused by microtears that occur during exercise especially if you’re not used to the intensity/exercise.

Question 6

Micro tears

Answer 6

-Stress on muscles results in micro tears in the muscle fibres.
-Micro tears cause swelling.