Energy contributions over time:
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The human body requires a continuous supply of energy both to meet the metabolic needs and to power muscular contraction for movement. There are three energy systems which provide the working muscles with energy for movement. These include:
ATP-PC System
ATP-PC System - 'ATP-PC system' stands for 'Adenosine-Triphosphate - Phosphocreatine system'. This energy system is a rapid way to regenerate ATP in the body, and typically lasts for 10 to 12 seconds. Stores of ATP in the body are depleated in roughly 2 seconds.
It is only able to last for a short duration longer than that of stored ATP, as 1 PC molecule can reform only 1 molecule of ATP Once all the PC in the muscle cell is broken down, this energy system no longer functions, and the lactic acid system takes over. The ATP-PC system allows high intensity activity such as very explosive movements to last longer. |
Lactic Acid SystemAnaerobic - in the absence of, not requiring, nor utilizing oxygen.
This energy system works by converting the pyruvate produced from the anerobic glycolysis of glucose, into lactate, As there is not enough oxygen to completely breakdown the pyruvate, lactate starts to build. The ATP regenerated allows, in the human muscle, exercise of higher intensity to continue up to the point that the lactate reaches toxic levels, at which point the muscle will start to fatigue and eventually stop working all together. |
Aerobic SystemAerobic - In the presence of, requiring, or utilizing oxygen.
The purpose of this system of producing energy is to produce 38 molecules of ATP from each molecule of Glucose that is used. ATP is broken down in the body to give ADP and an inorganic phosphate plus energy. This energy system is used throughout the body, for producing energy for all for metabolic processes, in exercise it is used for sub-maximal exercise such as long distance running. This system is used to regenerate the ATP that is used for energy in the body. All information on energy pathways http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_systems |
ResourcesEnergy supply to muscles website
HSC Online Summary TableBrianMac- The Sports Coach |