GLOSSARY Flashcards
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body
Abrasion
A scraping away of a portion of the skin or mucous membrane
Absolute Strength
The maximal amount of weight an individual can lift at one time
Absoprtion
The uptake of nutrients across a tissue or membrane by the gastrointestinal tract
Acclimatize
To physiologically adapt to an unfamiliar environment and achieve a new steady state. For example, the body an adjust to a high altitude or a hot climate and gain an increased capacity to work in those conditions
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
A syndrome of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (type HIV-1 or HIV-2) and characterized by opportunistic infection and disease
Actin
Thin contractile protein in a myofibril
Action
The stage of the transtheoretical model of behavior change during which the individual started a new behavior less than six months ago
Activities of daily living (ADL)
Activities normally performed for hygiene, bathing, household chores, walking, shopping, and similar activities
Acute
Descriptive of a condition that usually has a rapid onset and a relatively short and severe course; opposite of chronic
Acute coronary syndrome
A sudden, severe coronary event that mimics a heart attack, such as unstable angina
Adduction
Movement toward the midline of the body
Adenosine
A naturally occurring enzyme that forms the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
A high-energy phosphate molecule required to provide energy for cellular function. Produced both aerobically and anaerobically and stored in the body
Adherence
The extent to which people stick to their plans or treatment recommendations. Exercise adherence is the extent to which people follow, or stick to, an exercise program
Adipose
Fat cells stored in adipose tissue
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 substances are exchanged between the blood and tissues
Aerobic
In the presence of oxygen
Aerobic power
See VO2max
Agonist
The muscle directly responsible for observed movement; also called the prime mover
Agreement to participate
Signed document that indicates that the client is aware of inherent risks and potential injuries that can occur from participation
Air displacement plethysmography (ADP)
A body-composition assessment technique based on the same body volume measurement principle as hydrostatic weighing; uses air instead of water
Alexander Technique
Teaches the transformation of neuromuscular habits by helping an individual focus on sensory experiences. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, and coordination, and corrects unconscious habits of posture and movement, which may be precursors to injuries