The Energy Systems

Stored at the myosin cross-bridges is broken down to release energy for contraction it is used for short bursts of energy – it is exhausted after about 10 seconds.

Carbohydrate is broken down anareobically (without oxygen) to lactic acid. This causes muscular fatigue. The energy released during this breakdown is used to re-synthesize A.T.P. Exercise performed at maximum rates for between one and three minutes depending heavily upon the lactic acid system for A.T.P energy.

Firstly uses glucose from either muscle tissue or from the liver and secondly breaks down fatty acids. The main fuel is glucose.

The Energy for muscle contraction which comes from the breakdown of a chemical compound named adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Sources of ATP: Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats

How is A.T.P produced in each energy system?

ADP and the phosphate are converted back to A.T.P by the creatine phosphate (CP) when A.T.P is depleted.

Carbohydrate is broken down anareobically (without oxygen) to lactic acid.

The energy released during this breakdown is used to re-synt

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The lactic acid is carried by the blood from the cramped muscles to the liver where it converted back to pyruvic acid, and then to carbon dioxide, water and ATP. If there is an excess of pyruvic acid, lactic acid is then formed.

Draw and label a graph that illustrates the 3 energy pathways/systems

What is Pyruvic Acid and what is it’s function

A colorless pleasant-smelling liquid formed as an intermediate in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, helping to release energy to the body. The body's stored fuel soon runs out and activity ceases - painfully. When the Lactic acid receives oxygen, it is converted back to pyruvic acid, for later use by the body.

How is lactic acid produced, removed from the blood?

Lactic Acid is a colourless compound produced by almost all tissues in the human body, necessary for the body to function daily.

Lactic acid is usually formed by fermentation of glucose, a carbohydrate, by a process called glycolysis.

c) Oxygen

What is the fuel source for each of the energy systems?

ATP-CP System -

Lactic Acid System - Glycogen

Oxygen System – Glucose, triglycerides

How are each of these fuels replenished?

a) Phosphagen

b) Anaerobic

c) Aerobic

What is the fuel stored for each energy system?

ATP-CP System – myosin cross-bridges

Lactic Acid System - glycogen

Oxygen System –

What is the time frame in which each energy operates?

ATP-CP System – Up to 10 Seconds, Short-duration activites

Lactic Acid System – 1 – 3 Minutes

Oxygen System – Long-duration activities

Explain the Anaerobic Threshold

The intensity of effort at which lactic acid accumulates.

• Lactic acid (in large amounts) is usually formed during strenuous exercise, and a large amount of lactic acid in muscle leads to fatigue and can cause muscle cramps.

• Lactic acid also causes the souring of milk, by fermentation of lactose. Although, why you'd want to supplement with Lactic Acid is anyone's guess.

Oxygen Deficit

A temporary oxygen shortage in cells resulting from strenuous exercise.

• Lactic acid is a by-product, produced by the body's tissues, primarily muscle, in order to obtain energy by metabolising glucose in the absence of oxygen.

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