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The force exerted against the walls of the blood vessels during contraction of the heart (systole). The maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting. It is represented by the top number in the fraction of a blood-pressure reading. The pressure during systole, when the heart is contracting to pump blood into the…

The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle. Contraction of the chambers of the heart; the myocardial fibers shorten, making the chamber smaller and forcing out blood. A contraction of the heart, which pumps blood into the aorta. A phase in the beating of the heart when it contracts as it pumps blood out. Contraction of…

A group of cells of the myocardium that function collectively as a unit during depolarization. An undivided mass of protoplasm containing several nuclei. A continuous length of tissue in muscle fibres. Mass of protoplasm containing several nuclei, as in muscle fibers. A mass of protoplasm containing several nuclei. Muscle fibers are syncytia. A multinucleated mass…

An exercise bout in which the energy requirement is greater than what can be supplied aerobically at VO2 max.  

The transfer of P directly from a phosphorylated intermediate or substrates to ADP without any oxidation occurring.  

The ability to make adjustments to maintain posture while standing still.  

That portion of physical fitness directed toward optimizing athletic performance.  

A transient decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin levels (grams per deciliter of blood). A decrease in red cell volume from excessive red cell breakdown due to excessive physical activity. Sports anemia is a condition that commonly occurs after beginning an exercise program. When initiating such a program, plasma volume typically expands, thereby diluting…

An indirect calorimetry method for estimating heat production, in which expired air is analyzed for the amount of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced. A measurement of the vital capacity of the lungs by use of a spirometer. A test that measures the function of the lungs. Spirometry helps doctors evaluate the lungs’ capacity to…

Slow-twitch muscle fibers that rely primarily on oxidative metabolism to produce energy.