IB Sports, exercise and health science

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time.

The physiological adjustments the body makes over time in response to environmental changes such as heat, humidity, or altitude.

Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

Acidosis occurs when the pH within muscle fibers decreases, typically due to an accumulation of H⁺ ions, resulting in impaired muscle function and fatigue.

The ACL is a key ligament in the knee that stabilizes the joint by preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur.

Actin: Provides binding sites for myosin.

Active recovery is submaximal activity performed after fatiguing exercise, with the aim of accelerating return to homeostasis through faster lactate clearance and improved metabolite removal.

Acute trauma is a short-term response to a single, unexpected event that causes intense fear and distress. It can lead to physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms.

Adaptation refers to the continual adjustment and reorganization of an athlete’s physical components such as muscles and limbs, to effectively respond to changing constraints during sports competition.

A high-energy molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes, including muscle contraction and metabolism.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary chemical energy currency of the cell. Hydrolysis of ATP releases the energy used for muscle contraction, ion transport, and most other energy-requiring processes.

Body fat that stores energy and fat-soluble vitamins.

A type of exercise that improves the body's ability to sustain prolonged physical activity by enhancing cardiovascular and muscular efficiency.

Affordances are action opportunities provided by the sporting environment, representing interactions between athletes and their surroundings. Athletes recognize affordances by understanding how they can respond effectively to specific performance conditions. These opportunities invite athletes to act based on their past experiences, learned skills, and individual motivations.

The agonist, or prime mover, is the muscle primarily responsible for generating force to initiate and execute movement.

Agreeableness is a personality trait referring to individuals that are perceived as kind, sympathetic, cooperative, warm, honest, and considerate.

Air resistance describes the forces that are in opposition to the relative motion of an object as it passes through the air.

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels in the body, influencing water retention and blood pressure.

Alveoli are tiny, balloon-like structures that are the primary site for the exchange of gases (O₂ and CO₂). They provide a large surface area for gas exchange due to their many folds.

Amotivation is a state where a person lacks the desire or intention to act.

The metabolic process that builds complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy (e.g., muscle protein synthesis).

An imaginary flat surface used to divide the body for anatomical study and movement analysis. The main anatomical planes are: Sagittal Plane, Frontal (Coronal) Plane and Transverse Plane

The standard reference position where the body stands upright, facing forward, with arms at sides and palms facing forward.

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.