The Neuromuscular System

Question 1

state the two functions of the nervous system

Answer 1

1. a communication system (via electrical impulses)

2. assists the body to maintain homeostasis (along with the endocrine system)

Question 2

the nervous system is split into:

Answer 2

1. CNS

2. PNS - somatic + autonomic

Question 3

state what it is meant by the key term - sensation

Answer 3

carried out by the sensory nerves which carry the information to the CNS

Question 4

state what it is meant by the key term - integration/analysis

Answer 4

the CNS integrates and analyses the information it’s received from the sensory neurones to decide upon a response

Question 5

state what it is meant by the key term - response

Answer 5

messengers sent from the CNS along motor neurones to effector cells

Question 6

nervous system - state the 5 sequences of events

Answer 6

1. sensory receptors detect stimuli
2. send into to CNS along sensory neurones
3. CNS integrates and analyses the information
4. electrical impulse sent down the motor neurone
5. effector cell is stimulated and makes a response

Question 7

state, and explain, the three types of muscle

Answer 7

1. smooth - associated with hollow tubular structures (involuntary)
2. cardiac - located in the heart (involuntary)
3. skeletal - produce movement, stabilise joints, assist in posture maintenance + generate heat (voluntary and involuntary)

Question 8

state the 4 characteristics of muscle tissue

Answer 8

1. extensibility
2. excitability
3. electrical excitability
4. contractility

Question 9

state what it is meant by the key term - motor unit

Answer 9

the motor neurone plus all the motor fibres it innervates

Question 10

effects of exercise on the neuromuscular system:

Answer 10

the majority of fitness improvements in the early stages of training result from changes in the way the CNS controls and co-ordinates movements

Question 11

increased proprioception leads to:

Answer 11

1. enhanced balance
2. enhanced relative abilities
3. enhanced MU recruitment efficiency

Question 12

enhanced MU recruitment efficiency leads to:

Answer 12

speed, acceleration, co-ordination, endurance, strength, power

Question 13

cardiovascular training can lead to:

Answer 13

1. capillerisation
2. increased size and number of mitochondria
3. increase in aerobic enzyme activity
4. increased aerobic fuel stores
5. increased myoglobin content within muscles