IB Sports, exercise and health science B.1 Generating Movement in the Body Key Definitions

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

Actin: Provides binding sites for myosin.

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.

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

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.

An antagonist muscle works opposite to the agonist, lengthening to allow movement while providing control and stability.

The scientific study of human body measurements, proportions, and physical characteristics

The bones of the limbs and their attachments to the axial skeleton, which include the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, arms, and legs.

An articulation (joint) is the connection between two or more bones that allows varying degrees of movement, depending on its type and structure.

Atrophy – A decrease in muscle mass and strength due to disuse, injury, or aging.

The central core of bones that forms the body's longitudinal axis

An axis of rotation is an imaginary line around which movement occurs.

Bone is a dense, hard connective tissue that forms the skeletal structure of the body, playing an essential role in movement, support, and protection of vital organs.

Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that serves several functions in the body, including providing cushioning, reducing friction, and enabling smooth movement.

Circumduction is a circular movement of a limb that occurs when the distal end moves in a circular path while the proximal end remains relatively fixed.

Isotonic Concentric – A muscle contraction where the muscle shortens while generating force.

Specialised tissue that supports, connects, and separates other tissues and organs

The passive movement of a substance, such as a gas, from an area of higher partial pressure or concentration to an area of lower partial pressure or concentration.

Movement of the foot that pulls the toes upward toward the shin, decreasing the angle between the foot and lower leg.

The application of anthropometric data to create equipment and environments that optimize human performance and reduce fatigue

Ergonomics involves designing equipment, environments, and tasks to fit human capabilities, enhancing efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Excitation-contraction coupling is the process linking a muscle action potential to calcium release and contraction.