Physiology Flashcards
What is ATP
ATP is Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the breakdown of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy.
Food = Energy (ATP)
What are the two major ways the body converts nutrients
Aerobic metabolism (with oxygen) Anaerobic metabolism (without oxygen)
How many energy systems are there
There is 3
- ATP-PC system
- Anarobic glycolysis
- aerobic
What is the ATP-PC system
uses ATP and CP ( creatine phosphate) stores directly.
This pathway doesn’t require any oxygen to create ATP.
When is the ATP-PC system used
in the first 10 seconds worth of energy. Used for short bursts of exercise such as a 100
meter sprint. Predominately used when exercise is maximal (high intensity, explosive)
How does the ATP-PC system work
It first uses up any ATP stored in the muscle (about 2-3 seconds worth) and then it uses creatine phosphate (CP) to resynthesise ATP until the CP runs out (another 6-8 seconds).
What is ANAEROBIC GLYCOLYSIS
The anaerobic glycolysis energy system, creates ATP exclusively from glucose (Carbohydrates).
Doesn’t require oxygen (anarobic)
what is the bi product of anaerobic glycolysis
Lactic acid is a by-product (waste product) of this system and will fatiguethe muscle. H+ ions within lactic acid increases muscle acidity which
inhibits muscle contraction; slowing us down.
When is anarobic glycolysis used
Anaerobic glycolysis produces energy for short, high- intensity bursts of
activity lasting no more than several minutes before the lactic acid build-up
reaches a threshold known as the lactate threshold. The muscle pain, burning
and fatigue make it difficult to maintain such intensity.
What is the aerobic system
Aerobic system fuels most of the energy needed for long
duration activity. It uses oxygen to convert nutrients to ATP. Relies on the circulatory system to transport oxygen to the
working muscles before it creates ATP.
What are the Bi-Products of the Aerobic System
Waste products are carbon dioxide (which we breathe out)
and water. There are no fatiguing waste products.
When is aerobic system used
Endurance events, less intense activities, that last long
periods of time.
Where do we get ATP from
We get ATP from muscles. Muscles store 50-100grams which is used up within 1-2 seconds of exercise.
Out of the 3 main food Fues, which is the most used and why?
carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source during exercise as it doesn’t require a lot of oxygen to rebuild
Where are carbohydrates stored in the body
glucose in blood
glycogen in muscles
excess stored in the liver
How are Carbohydrates measured.
measured on glycemic index
high gi foods are digested quickly (70 or more GI)
medium gi (56-69)
low are digested slowly ( 55 or less)
When are fats used
Fats are the preferred fuel source during rest as well as prolonged sub maximal exercise (3+ hours)
Why are fats not the preferred fuel during exercise
Fats are not the preferred fuel during exercise as oxygen is required and makes them less sufficient however fats produce more ATP
Where are fats stored
Fats are stored in the triglycerides in the muscles
fatty acids in the blood
excess stored in the adipose tissue
What are proteins main role
proteins main role in the body is growth and repairs of tissues. Protein is only used for long duration exercise such as ultra marathons
Where are proteins stored
Amino acids in the muscles and blood
Excess protein stored as Adipose Tissue
Do all 3 energy systems work at once
yes, All systems are in play all the time, however the
level of contribution changes depending on
INTENSITY and DURATION of the activity.
One energy system will be more predominant
over the other systems
Why doesn’t the ATP-PC system have a very long input to physical activity?
Because there is a limited storage ATP and CP stores in the body.
