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o Direct phosphorylation
Muscle cells contain creatine phosphate (CP)
• CP is a high-energy molecule
After ATP is depleted, ADP is left
CP transfers energy to ADP, to regenerate ATP
CP supplies are exhausted in about 20 seconds
o Aerobic (“with oxygen”) respiration
Series of metabolic pathways that occur in the mitochondria
Glucose is broken down to carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy
This is a slower reaction that requires continuous oxygen
o Anaerobic (“without oxygen”) glycolysis
Reaction that breaks down glucose without oxygen
Glucose is broken down to pyruvic acid to produce some ATP
Pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid
This reaction is not as efficient, but it is fast
• Huge amounts of glucose are needed
• Lactic acid produces muscle fatigue
• Muscle Fatigue and Oxygen Deficit
o When a muscle is fatigued, it is unable to contract
o The common reason for muscle fatigue is oxygen deficit
Oxygen must be “repaid” to tissue to remove oxygen deficit
Always occurs to some extent during vigorous muscle activity, whether fatigue
occurs or not
• During the recovery period after activity, the individual breathes rapidly and
deeply.
• This continues until the muscles have received the amount of oxygen that is
required to get rid of accumulated lactic acid and make ATP and creatine
phosphate reserves
Increasing acidity (from lactic acid) and lack of ATP causes the muscle to contract
less
• Types of Muscle Contractions
o Isotonic contractions
Myofilaments are able to slide past each other during contractions
The muscle shortens
o Isometric contractions
Tensions in the muscles increases
The muscle is unable to shorten
• Muscle Tone
o Some fibers are contracted even in a relaxed muscle
o Different fibers contract at different times to provide muscle tone
o The process of stimulating various fibers is under involuntary control
• Effect of Exercise on Muscles
o Aerobic exercises, or endurance: Muscles subjected to regular aerobic exercise become
more efficient and stronger and can work longer without tiring. Aerobic exercise also
benefits other body systems
Examples: participating in aerobics class, jogging, biking
o Isometric exercises, or resistance: Muscles challenged by resistance exercise to respond
(almost) beyond their ability increase in size and strength.
Examples: weight training
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