Adenosine triphoshate (ATP) is the bodies universal currency for energy. In fact it is the only fuel that the body can use. It is responsible for all muscle contraction, repair and growth of tissues. Structure of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) ATP is comprised of one adenosine molecule and and three phosphate molecules. When one of the phosphate […]
Effects of exercise on the circulatory and respiratory systems
The following describes the short term effects of exercise on the circulatory and respiratory systems. Effects of exercise on the circulatory system The effects of exercise on the respiratory system Short term effects Long term benefits Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate Increase in systolic blood pressure Increase vasodilation of blood vessels in the […]
The respiratory system
The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. The main components of the respiratory system are the lungs, the diaphragm and the intercostals. The location of the lungs The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, behind the sternum and the ribcage. The direction of […]
The blood
Our blood carries oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the body tissues, and waste to be removed from the body. It is composed of the following components. Red blood cells Contains haemoglobin which binds to oxygen. White blood cells Part of our immune system that fights infection. Destroy bacteria and other harmful organisms. Platelets […]
Structure and function of blood vessels
Blood vessels are the bodies blood transportation network. There are different types of blood vessels and they all differ in size, structure and function. Blood vessels Structure Function Arteries Thick muscular walls. Found deep beneath the skin surface. Subdivide into smaller arteries called arterioles. Withstand high blood pressure Generally carry oxygenated blood (except for the […]
Blood pressure
Blood pressure can be defined as the measure of the force that is applied to the walls of the arteries as the blood runs though them. We measure blood pressure in millilitres of mercury (mmHg). A blood pressure reading has two numbers. The first number represents the systolic blood pressure (BP when the heart is […]
Structure of the heart
The heart is made up of cardiac muscle and divided into four chambers. Atria (upper two chambers) The upper two chambers of the heart are called the right and left atrium. Both chambers receive blood via the veins. Ventricles (lower two chambers) The bottom two chambers of the heart are the right and left ventricles. […]
Location and function of the heart
The heart is a muscular pump that sends blood around the body. It sends oxygenated blood to the body tissues and deoxygenated blood to the lungs . The location of the heart It is about the size of clenched fist and located behind the ribs and sternum, just left of centre.
Long term benefits of exercise on the neuromuscular system
I love exercise. I know that’s a strong word but I really do. I couldn’t live without it, and neither could my muscles. There are so many benefits of exercise but let’s focus on those experienced by our neuromuscular system. Increased muscular endurance Improved ability to repeatedly overcome a resistance. i.e Running, jumping, swimming, climbing, rowing. […]
Short term effects of exercise on the neuromuscular system
As soon as we become active whether that is walking the dog, doing some house work or playing our favourite sport our body responds to keep as safe and ensure we perform our chosen activity as effectively as possible. Short term effects of exercise The following describes the short term effects of exercise on the […]