Physical Education key terms

A unit used to measure energy obtained from food. Food calories are usually expressed as kilocalories, written as Kcal in this topic and commonly as kcal on food labels.

The formation of additional capillaries, improving the exchange of substances between blood and surrounding tissues.

A tiny blood vessel with a wall one cell thick, allowing substances to be exchanged between the blood and its surroundings.

A nutrient that is the main and preferred energy source for all types of exercise, at all intensities.

All the events taking place in the heart during one heartbeat, including relaxation, filling and contraction.

An increase in the size and strength of the heart muscle through regular training.

The volume of blood pumped by the heart each minute, usually measured in ml/min or L/min.

The ability of the heart, lungs and blood vessels to supply oxygen to working muscles during sustained physical activity; also called aerobic power.

One of the small bones at the wrist. Collectively, these are the carpals.

Strong connective tissue covering the ends of bones at a joint, reducing friction and absorbing shock.

The space within the rib cage containing the lungs and heart. Its volume changes during breathing.

A series of exercise stations completed in sequence, with the exercises and work:rest ratio chosen to target particular components of fitness.

A circular movement of a limb combining flexion, extension, abduction and adduction.

The collarbone, running across the upper chest between the sternum and shoulder.

A skill not affected by the environment or other performers, which tends to be performed the same way each time.

The process of managing or using an activity or product to make a profit. In sport, this involves commercial links such as sponsorship and selling broadcasting rights.

The phase when a performer competes, aimed at maintaining fitness levels and working on specific sporting skills.

A skill requiring a lot of decision making and a high level of coordination and thinking.

A difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas, along which diffusion occurs.

A muscle contraction in which the muscle shortens while producing tension.

Sustained aerobic exercise at a constant rate, without rests, for a minimum of 20 minutes.

A scale between two extremes. A skill can lie towards either end or somewhere between them.

An unwritten agreement to try to win while following the written and unwritten rules of a sport and allowing opponents a fair chance to compete and win.

A routine after exercise that gradually reduces activity intensity and helps the body return towards its resting state.

Different body parts working together effectively, with appropriate timing, to perform a movement.

The ability to use two or more parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.

Disease involving narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the heart muscle, reducing its blood supply.