Essentials of Exercise Science (Glossary) Flashcards
(224 cards)
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body.
Absorption
The uptake of nutrients across a tissue or membrane by the gastrointestinal tract.
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)
The range of intake for a particular energy source that is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease while providing intakes of essential nutrients.
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA)
An important molecule in metabolism, used in many biochemical reactions. Its main use is to convey the carbon atoms within the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle to be oxidized for energy production. This compound forms the common entry point into the Kreb’s cycle for the oxidation of carbohydrate and fat.
Acetylcholine
A white crystalline neurotransmitter and derivation of choline that is released at the ends of nerve fibers in the somatic and parasympathetic nervous systems and is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses in the body.
Acromioclavicular (A/C) joint
The junction of the acromion process of the scapula with the distal clavicle.
Actin
Thin contractile protein in a myofibril.
Active isolated stretching (AIS)
A stretching technique modeled after traditional strength-trianing workouts. Stretches are held very briefly in sets of a specified number of repetitions, with a goal of isolating an individual muscle in each set.
Activities of daily living (ADL)
Activities normally performed for hygiene, bathing, household chores, walking, shopping, and similar activities.
Adduction
Movement toward the midline of the body.
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)
One of the chemical by-products of the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during muscle contraction
Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)
Substance found in muscle cells that participates in energy released by working muscle.
Adenosine trisphosphate (ATP)
A high-energy phosphate molecule required to provide energy for cellular function. produced both aerobically and anaerobically and stored in the body.
Adequate intake (AI)
A recommended nutrient intake level that, based on research, appears to be sufficient for good health.
Adipocyte
A fat cell.
Adipose tissue
Fatty tissue; connective tissue made up of fat cells.
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that affects various important bodily functions; controls the secretion in the adrenal gland of hormones that influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium; also controls the rate at which substance are exchanged between the blood and tissues.
Aerobic
In the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic glycolysis
A metabolic pathway that requires oxygen to facilitate the use of glycogen for energy (ATP)
Afterload
The pressure in the aorta and pulmonary trunk, respectively, that the left and right ventricles of the heart must overcome to eject blood.
Agonist
The muscle directly responsible for observed movement; also called the prime mover.
Aldosterone
One of two main hormones released by the adrenal cortex; plays a role in limiting sodium excretion in the urine.
All-or-none principle
The principle of muscle contraction that states that when a motor unit is activated, all of the muscle fibers will maximally contract.
Allergen
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction by stimulating type-1 hypersensitivity in atopic individuals.