The Muscular System Flashcards
What is a cardiac muscle (heart)?
A form of involuntary muscle that words automatically and constantly
What is an involuntary muscle?
Not possible to consciously control. Essential for maintaining the ‘working body’.
What is a voluntary/skeletal muscle?
Make up the majority of the muscle amount and help give body shape. Attached to skeleton by tendons. Voluntary because it takes a conscious thought process for them to contract and move.
What is the agonist in antagonistic pairs?
The muscle contracting
What is the antagonist in antagonistic pairs?
The muscle relaxing
What are isometric contractions? And example?
No movement. The muscle works to keep the joint stable.
Plank, wall sit
Isotonic contractions:
Concentric contractions?
When a muscle contracts and shortens to cause movement
Isotonic contractions:
Eccentric contractions?
When a muscle lengthens and returns to its normal shape and length
What is the origin?
The end of the muscle attached to the fixed bone
What is insertion?
The end of the muscle attached to the bone that moves
What are the characteristics of slow twitch fibres?
- Long, slow events
- Have good oxygen supply
- Can contract for long periods of time without tiring
What are characteristics of fast twitch fibres?
- They contract quickly and powerfully
- Have limited oxygen supply and tire quickly
- Suited to short and explosive activities
What is muscle tone?
When skeletal muscles are in a state of slight tension and ready to be used
What is posture?
The way the muscles hold the body when still or moving
