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Foundations of Exercise Science Flashcards

7 cards from real CPSS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which of the following best describes the term 'motor unit'?

    Answer: A motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates

    A motor unit consists of a single alpha motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it innervates, which contract together upon stimulation.

  2. According to the size principle of motor unit recruitment, motor units are recruited in order of:

    Answer: Increasing size, from smallest to largest

    Henneman's size principle states that smaller, low-threshold motor units (Type I) are recruited first, with larger motor units (Type II) activated as force demands increase.

  3. What is the primary role of the muscle spindle during a rapid stretch of a muscle?

    Answer: Detect the rate and magnitude of muscle stretch and initiate a reflex contraction

    Muscle spindles (intrafusal fibers) sense changes in muscle length and stretch velocity, triggering the stretch reflex to resist further elongation.

  4. During submaximal steady-state aerobic exercise, which substrate provides the majority of ATP after 90+ minutes when glycogen is depleted?

    Answer: Plasma free fatty acids

    As muscle glycogen depletes, plasma free fatty acids mobilized from adipose tissue become the dominant fuel via beta-oxidation.

  5. Which of the following best describes 'excess post-exercise oxygen consumption' (EPOC)?

    Answer: Elevated VO2 above resting baseline during recovery to restore homeostasis

    EPOC represents the elevated oxygen uptake following exercise used to restore phosphocreatine, clear lactate, normalize temperature, and re-oxygenate blood.

  6. The lactate threshold (LT1) physiologically represents:

    Answer: The point where blood lactate begins to accumulate faster than it is cleared

    LT1 marks the intensity where lactate production begins to exceed clearance capacity, causing blood lactate to rise above baseline levels.

  7. Which connective tissue structure directly connects muscle to bone?

    Answer: Tendon

    Tendons are composed primarily of type I collagen and transmit the force generated by muscle contraction to the skeletal system.

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