VO2 Max, Muscle Contraction, and Energy Systems
Factors Influencing VO2 Max
Several factors determine a person’s maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max):
- Inheritance
- Muscle mass
- Age
- Sex
- Training level
- Motivation
Basic Formula for VO2 During Exercise
VO2 = Vs x HR x (a-v)O2 difference
- VO2: Oxygen consumed by cells
- Vs: Systolic volume
- HR: Heart rate
- (a-v)O2 difference: Arteriovenous oxygen difference
Gas Exchange and Dead Space
Underlying Physical Process of Gas Exchange
Diffusion in gas exchange.
Respiratory Dead Space
The respiratory system contains a volume of air
Read MoreUnderstanding DNA: Structure, Function, and Genetics
Understanding DNA: The Building Block of Life
DNA is the fundamental molecule of life. The cell is the basic unit of a living organism, capable of independent function. Despite the diversity in appearance and function among living beings, all cells contain information encoded in DNA molecules. This information guides cellular activity and ensures reproduction and the transmission of traits to offspring (inheritance).
The chemistry of living organisms is largely governed by chemical compounds composed
Read MoreMitosis and Meiosis: A Detailed Comparison
Mitosis and Meiosis: A Comparison
In both mitosis and meiosis, chromosomes are duplicated only once, in the preceding interphase. Mitosis involves one division of the nucleus, accompanied by cytokinesis, producing two diploid cells. Meiosis involves two nuclear and cytoplasmic divisions, producing four haploid cells. All events specific to meiosis occur during meiosis I. Homologous chromosomes pair up to form duplicated tetrads, and crossing-over occurs. In metaphase I, the tetrads are aligned on
Read MoreHemoglobin Dissociation, Hemostasis, and EPO Factors
Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve
The oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve is a graphical representation of the progressive increase that occurs in the percentage of hemoglobin combined with O2 as blood O2 partial pressure (PO2) increases. This is referred to as the saturation of Hb.
Blood leaving the lungs has a PO2 of 95 mmHg and a saturation of 97%, while venous blood has a PO2 of 40 mmHg and a saturation of 75%.
Normal human blood contains 15g Hb/100ml of blood, and each gram of Hb can bind 1.34 ml
Read MoreNon-Infectious Diseases: Types, Causes, and Prevention
Non-Infectious Diseases
(Which are not communicable or contagious)
Cardiovascular Diseases
Affecting the heart and blood vessels.
- Atherosclerosis: Thickening of the artery walls due to the deposition of cholesterol, platelets, and the formation of fibrous tissue. Favors thrombus formation (blood clot that occurs in an artery or vein and leads to an obstruction that can lead to a stroke).
- Aneurysm: Narrowing of the artery wall; the artery can rupture and cause bleeding.
- Strokes: Interruption of blood supply
Cellular Structures and Active Transport Mechanisms
Active Transport
In this type of transport, substances span the membrane against the concentration gradient. Molecules bind to transport proteins and move against the gradient through the input of energy, often in the form of ATP, from the cell.
Cell Wall
Not all living things have cell walls; they are present only in eukaryotic plant cells. They form channels within the plant called plasmodesmodes. The cell wall is constituted by a middle layer (the outermost layer), which is thin and flexible, and
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