Week 1 - Exercise Physiology

Question 1

Explain the term homeostasis

Answer 1

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant and ‘normal’ internal environment where all physiological mechanisms must operate within a narrow range of values

Question 2

What are the components of a biological control system in the body

Answer 2

Sensor (receptor), control centre, and effector

Question 3

Define negative feedback loop

Answer 3

Negative feedback is a response that reverses the initial disturbance in homeostasis

Question 4

Define positive feedback

Answer 4

Positive feedback increases the original stimulus

Question 5

Define gain in physiological feedback

Answer 5

Gain refers to the degree to which a control system maintains homeostasis

Question 6

Explain the difference between adaptation and acclimation

Answer 6

Adaptation involves changes in the structure and function of cells or organ systems to improve the ability to maintain homeostasis, while acclimation is adaptation to environmental stresses

Question 7

Define exercise-induced hormesis

Answer 7

Exercise-induced hormesis is when a low-to-moderate dose of potentially harmful stress from exercise results in a beneficial adaptive response on the cell or organ system

Question 8

Describe the role of cell signalling pathways in promoting cellular adaptation

Answer 8

Cell signalling pathways facilitate communication between cells using chemical messengers, coordinating cellular activities and maintaining homeostasis

Question 9

What are the 5 different cell signalling pathways that exist

Answer 9

Intracrine (inside cell), juxtracrine (passed between two connected cells), autocrine (acts on same cell), paracrine (acts on nearby cells) and endocrine (hormones) signalling

Question 10

Explain the role of intracellular control systems in maintaining homeostasis

Answer 10

Intracellular control systems involve processes like protein breakdown and synthesis, energy production, and maintenance of stored nutrients

Question 11

How do organ systems like pulmonary and circulatory systems contribute to homeostasis

Answer 11

These organ systems replenish oxygen and remove carbon dioxide to maintain homeostasis

Question 12

Provide examples of homeostatic control mechanisms in the body

Answer 12

Regulation of body temperature, blood glucose, and cellular homeostasis

Question 13

What is the function of the sensor

Answer 13

Detect changes in variables in a biological control system

Question 14

Explain the role of the control centre

Answer 14

Assesses input and initiates a response in a biological control system

Question 15

Explain the role of the effector

Answer 15

Changes the internal environment back to normal in a biological control system

Question 16

How does exercise-induced hormesis contribute to cellular adaptation

Answer 16

Exercise-induced hormesis results in beneficial adaptive responses in cells or organs systems, improving their ability to maintain homeostasis

Can also prove if an athlete is overtraining or undertraining