Question

In which type of Olympic athlete would you most likely find a greater abundance of Fast-twitch Glycolytic (Type IIb) skeletal muscle fibers?

a) Marathon runners
b) Sprinters
c) Long-distance swimmers
d) Cyclists

Answer 1

The correct answer is Sprinters. Fast-twitch glycolytic (Type IIb) skeletal muscle fibers are responsible for generating quick, explosive bursts of energy and are well-suited for activities that require high power output but do not last for very long. Sprinters rely heavily on these muscle fibers to produce maximum force and speed during short bursts of intense activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b) Sprinters.

Fast-twitch glycolytic (Type IIb) skeletal muscle fibers are responsible for generating quick, explosive bursts of energy and are well-suited for activities that require high power output but do not last for very long. Sprinters rely heavily on these muscle fibers to produce maximum force and speed during short bursts of intense activity.

In contrast, marathon runners, long-distance swimmers, and cyclists engage in activities that require prolonged endurance, which is primarily supported by slow-twitch muscle fibers that can sustain energy production over extended periods. These athletes would have a greater abundance of slow-twitch muscle fibers compared to fast-twitch muscle fibers.