Download PE Terms and Definitions

Terms and Definitions for Physical Education
Cardio-Vascular Endurance- CVE Involves the ability of the heart and lungs to
supply oxygen to the working muscles for an extended amount of time.
Body Composition- Body composition refers to the quality or makeup of total
body mass. Total body mass is composed of lean body mass (bones, muscles,
organs, and water) and fat mass.
Muscular Strength- Muscular strength is a measure of the greatest force that can
be produced by a muscle or a group of muscles.
Muscular Endurance- Muscular endurance is the ability to contract a muscle or
group of muscles repeatedly without becoming tired.
Flexibility- Flexibility is the ability of a joint to move freely in every direction
through a full range of motion.
Cholesterol- Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance found in the human body.
There are two types of cholesterol. HDL- Is healthy cholesterol that prevents
clotting of the arteries. LDL- Unhealthy cholesterol that leads to the buildup of
cholesterol on the artery walls.
Blood Pressure- Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls
of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over
time, it can damage the body in many ways.
High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that affects 1 in 3 adults in the
United States. It can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney
failure, and other health problems.
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Water- Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is
mostly water (83%) and your muscles (75% water), lungs, and brain all contain
water. Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the
means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to
your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.
Metabolism- To maintain a healthy body composition, the energy (food) that
goes in the body must equal the energy (activity) used. A higher physical activity
level leads to a higher metabolic rate, which in turn helps the body use food for
fuel instead of creating excess fat.
Atherosclerosis- Sometimes called hardening of the arteries; this disease can
slowly narrow and harden the arteries throughout the body. When
atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the heart, it’s called coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Most of these deaths are
from heart attacks, caused by sudden blood clots in the heart’s arteries.
Calorie- Calories are energy found in foods and drinks that fuel our bodies. Eat
more calories than you bodies uses will cause you to gain weight. The body will
store those extra calories as fat. Use more calories than you consume and you will
lose weight.
Fat-Fat is a nutrient that provides the body with energy and also aides in the
absorption of fat soluble vitamins and producing hormones. One of the biggest
myths about this nutrient is that eating fat will make you fat. Fat does not make
you fat, excess calories is responsible for that.
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Muscle-Muscles are how we move and live. All movement in the body is
controlled by muscles. Some muscles work without us thinking, like our heart
beating, while other muscles are controlled by our thoughts and allow us to do
stuff and move around. There are over 650 muscles in the human body. They are
under our skin and cover our bones. Muscles often work together to help us
move. Muscles work by expanding and contracting. Muscles have long, thin cells
that are grouped into bundles. When a muscle fiber gets a signal from its nerve,
proteins and chemicals release energy to either contract the muscle or relax it.
Self-Esteem-Self-esteem gives you the courage to try new things and the power
to believe in yourself. It lets you respect yourself, even when you make mistakes.
And when you respect yourself, adults and other kids usually respect you, too.
Having positive self-esteem can also help you can learn to make healthy choices
about your mind and body. If you think you're important, you'll be less likely to
follow the crowd if your friends are doing something wrong or dangerous. If you
have positive self-esteem, you know you're smart enough to make your own
decisions. You value your safety, your feelings, your health — your whole self!
Positive self-esteem helps you know that every part of you is worth caring for and
protecting.
Growth Hormone-Growth hormone is a powerful hormone that exists naturally in our
body. It is produced by a gland in the brain and helps start the growth of muscles,
bones, and cartilage. During exercise, a variety of hormones are released that have
been found to promote growth. Exercise has also been known to promote the release
of the hormone Leptin, which lowers the appetite and can lower the risk of obesity.
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