As you\'re relaxing, a lion comes crashing through your window (you\'re in Afric

Question

As you're relaxing, a lion comes crashing through your window (you're in Africa and the prey population has been low this year). You leap up, rip the bookcase from the wall and throw it in his path, and sprint as fast as you can but get tired out by the time you reach the kitchen?

a) How (what process) do you think your quadruceps are producing ATP?

b) What muscle type is probably dominating your actions (sprinting and tearing down bookcases) and describe 5 characteristics of that type of muscle fiber (fast, slow, or intermediate).

c) Why was the contraction in your biceps stronger as you pulled down the bookcase than it was when you calmly removed a book earlier (other than a difference in fiber type)?

Explanation / Answer

a) During rapid, high-intensity exercise, muscles use large amounts of energy in the form of a compound called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.

o   Calf Muscles. The muscles of your calves, the soleus and gastrocnemius, are both involved in sprinting.

o   Quadriceps.

o   Glutes.

o   Abdominal Muscles.

Glutes:

The glutes, or muscles of the backside, are some of the largest muscles in your body. Sprinters use them to assist in propulsion and to support the work of the quadriceps and hamstrings. When sprinting, you may find that the glutes work less than the legs. This is a product of overextension. Engage the muscles of the backside in order to avoid injury to the legs.

Hip Flexors:

The hip flexors are a group of muscles that surround the hips and work with the glutes, quads and hamstrings. These muscles are often overlooked, but are crucial to sprinters, because nimble hip flexors allow your legs to move quickly and in concert with the rest of your body's speed of propulsion. Stretching the hip flexors, in particular, is important to maintaining speed throughout your sprint without injury.

Calves:

The calves comprise two muscles: gastrocnemius and soleus. Some anatomists consider these as one muscle group called the triceps surae. These muscles are vital to sprinting more than regular running, because the muscles of the calves control foot flexion when running. Sprinters should be prepared to spring off the next foot during each stride before impact to minimize time on the ground. Strong, elastic calves support the additional speed of a sprint.

c) The Biceps Brachii muscle is working concentrically. The muscle is shortening to move the bones of the forearm and decrease the angle at the elbow. Eccentric contractions are the opposite of concentric contractions. The muscle contracts but increases in length.

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