Physiology Notes Flashcards
How long does the lactic acid system last?
60-120 seconds e.g. 800m
How long does the aerobic energy system last?
Long lasting e.g. a marathon
What is ATP?
An energy currency, found in all cells; when broken down it releases its stored energy
What is the Krebs cycle?
A series of chemical reactions in the mitochondria that oxidises acetylene CoA to carbon dioxide and combines hydrogen with hydrogen carriers.
How many ATP are produced in the Krebs cycle?
2-4
What is the electron transport chain?
A series of chemical reactions where hydrogen is oxidised and large amounts of ATP are generated
How many ATP are produced in the electron transport chain?
34
What is glycolysis?
The process of breaking down glycogen into pyruvic acid producing some (4 molecules) ATP.
What is beta oxidation?
The process by which fatty acid molecules are broken down in the mitochondria to generate acetyl CoA
At low levels of intensity where does energy come from?
A mix of fats and carbohydrates
At high intensity where does energy come from?
Carbohydrates
Why is fat use limited at high intensity?
By oxygen availability
How can training improve the aerobic energy system?
Cardiac hypertrophy and increased resting stroke volume
Increased blood volume and haemoglobin
Increased muscle stores of glycogen and triglycerides
Increased capillarisation of muscle
What are possible reasons for fatigue?
Build up of lactic acid
Dehydration
Glycogen depletion
Reduced levels of acetylcholine
Lack of PC stores
What is carbo loading?
A strategy used by athletes to maximise stores of glycogen in the muscles and liver
Summarise method one of glycogen loading
Deplete carbohydrate levels by eating low glycemic foods
Day before event eat meal high in carbs
Creates a super compensation of glycogen stores
Summarise method two of glycogen loading
2-3 mins high intensity training day before event
High carb intake after twenty minutes
Temporarily opens the carbohydrate window
What is thermoregulation?
The maintenance of a steady body temperature regardless of changes in the environment
What is EPOC?
Excess post oxygen consumption - volume of oxygen consumed in recovery above the resting rate
Summarise the characteristics of the fast component of recovery
Approx. 3 mins
Alactic component
Uses 2-4 litres of oxygen
ATP resynthesis
Resaturation of HB with oxygen
50% recover in 30 seconds
Summarise the characteristics of the slow component of recovery
Approx. 2 hours
Lactic component
Lactic acid got rid of by:
Oxidised into CO2 and water
In liver
Converted to glycogen
Used as energy
Some excreted in urine
Conversion to protein
What is VO2 max. ?
The maximum volume of oxygen that can be utilised by the body per minute.
What is lactate threshold?
The level of exercise intensity at which you are producing more lactate than can be removed
What does OBLA stand for?
Onset of blood lactate accumulation