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Neuromuscular Physiology


Course Description

Mechanics, energetics, and motor unit recruitment during skeletal muscle contraction; regulation of energy metabolism during exercise; mechanisms underlying oxygen delivery to muscle during exercise.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Weekly seminar.


Athena Title

Neuromuscular Physiology


Undergraduate Prerequisite

KINS 4630/6630 or KINS 4630H or permission of department


Graduate Prerequisite

KINS 4630/6630 or KINS 4630H or permission of department


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

1. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of skeletal muscle in relation to its ability to produce force. 2. Discuss motor units and their function. 3. Discuss the mechanisms through which energy is supplied to skeletal muscle and the causes of muscular fatigue. 4. Discuss muscle injury and its causes. 5. Discuss adaptations of skeletal muscle to use and disuse. 6. Describe changes in skeletal muscle with age and their causes.


Topical Outline

Muscle structure and development The motorneuron The neuromuscular junction and muscle innervation Muscle sensory receptors Muscle contractile properties Motor unit structure and function Muscle metabolism Muscle fatigue Exercise induced muscle injury Muscle adaptation to exercise Muscle adaptation to disuse Changes in muscle function with age


Syllabus