Question

A 31-year-old female presents to your office for her annual gynecological examination. She denies any health or health-related issues since her last visit, 12 months ago. She is single, practices safe sex, drinks socially, and works as an Assistant District Attorney. She exercises often, lifts weights, and participates in multiple marathons and athletic events in her area of domicile. On this visit, you noticed that she has gained muscle mass. Upon questioning, the patient reveals that she is "getting into bodybuilding." Vital signs are stable and the physical examination unremarkable. The gynecological examination was within normal limits and the PAP smear was sent for examination.

• Describe the different types of muscle fibers.
• Describe the two types of muscle contractions.
• What factors are integral to muscle contraction, strength, and duration?
• Briefly describe the types of muscle contraction and their application to someone who wants to "work out."

Answer 1

There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. Muscle contraction is controlled by the sliding filament theory. Factors integral to muscle contraction, strength, and duration include ATP regeneration, muscle fiber types, and muscle growth. Isotonic and isometric muscle contractions have different applications in workouts.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and allows for voluntary movement. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood. Smooth muscle is found in organs and structures such as the digestive system and blood vessels.

Muscle contraction is controlled by the sliding filament theory. Actin and myosin filaments slide past each other, resulting in muscle contraction. There are two types of muscle contractions: isotonic and isometric. Isotonic contractions cause movement of a joint while isometric contractions do not.

Factors integral to muscle contraction, strength, and duration include ATP regeneration, muscle fiber types, and muscle growth. ATP provides energy for muscle contraction, with different mechanisms for regeneration. Muscle fiber types, such as slow twitch and fast twitch, determine the duration and force of contractions. Muscle growth can occur through hypertrophy, the increase in muscle mass.

For someone who wants to work out, understanding different types of muscle contractions is important. Isotonic contractions, such as lifting weights, can help build strength and muscle mass. Isometric contractions, such as planks, can improve muscle endurance. A combination of both types of contractions in a workout routine can provide overall fitness benefits.