Unit 1— Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

Section 5: Energy Systems and Muscle Fibre Types

 

Section Objectives:

• The three key energy nutrients, and the dominant role of carbohydrates
• The role of ATP in human energy, and the two energy systems
• The three metabolic pathways by which ATP energy reserves are restored
• The basic functions of the ATP-PC (anaerobic alactic) system, glycolysis (anaerobic lactic), and the aerobic system (cellular respiration)
• The lactic acid threshold and the Cori cycle
• How the body derives energy from fats and proteins
• The role slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibre types play in human muscular activity, and the importance of myoglobin
• The function and distribution of muscle fibre types
• The relationship between muscle fibre types and athletic performance