Arm cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that can happen while sprinting or while you are simply going about your day. While the most common arm cramps in running extend up to the shoulder muscles, cramps in the forearms,...
The levator labii superioris is a facial muscle extending from the bottom of your eyes to the edges of your lips. The muscle is a flat sheet that is composed of two independent parts. The lateral part controls movement in the u...
Walking and dancing are easy -- and fun -- forms of aerobic exercise. Walking and dancing help burn fat, and you can determine the amount and rate. If you want to burn a little fat, go for a leisurely stroll or slowly move arou...
An irregular heartbeat, medically referred to as an arrhythmia, is common during pregnancy. Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women experience some kind of irregularity in their heart rhythm, according to Cleveland Clinic. M...
Cellular respiration -- the process through which your cells produce useable fuel -- relies on a constant supply of oxygen to take place, and a lack of oxygen prevents your cells from producing enough energy. Your protein intak...
Body aerodynamics have a profound effect on speed and energy used in sports like cycling, swimming and running. Good aerodynamic body positions in sport are those that reduce drag. Drag is a force that acts against you. Adaptin...
Discus throwing engages all body muscles, from feet to core to shoulder muscles. Initially, preparing to throw a discus requires using lower body muscles to gain momentum. Hip rotator muscles assist in forcefully rotating the ...
It is found mostly in your bones, but is also found in the cells of your tissues and organs. A small amount is in your blood. Without magnesium, over 300 biochemical reactions couldn’t take place. Your muscles, nerves, im...
Your body's muscle tissue contains several enzymes, which are catalysts that cause chemical reactions. Your muscles require chemical reactions to supply them with energy, help them repair damage and help them function. High mus...
Fructose's sweetness accounts for its popularity in processed foods. In 2004, high-fructose corn syrup accounted for 40 percent of all caloric sweeteners additives, notes the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. The hum...
It is the nutrients that explain the relationship between tomatoes and the human muscle. Always consult your health care professional before eating tomatoes to improve muscle health.
You burn a significant amount of calories after your interval workout compared with the post-workout caloric burn of a steady ride. Training on an elliptical can improve your running performance, as your leg muscles are forced ...
Lactose might also be in processed foods, because manufacturers add milk derivatives to products such as baked goods, pancake mix, processed meats and coffee creamers. Lactose can have both positive and negative effects on your...
Cramps are not usually dangerous, but can be extremely painful. Besides overuse, muscle cramps can stem from dehydration, diuretic medications or an imbalance of the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium. There are two sets...
The lunge targets the quadriceps, the major muscle group at the front of your legs. Your quadriceps are a large muscle and responsible for enabling your body to perform explosive, powerful movements. If done without proper tech...
Humans have microscopic connections between muscles and nerves all over the body. These connections translate abstract ideas, such as moving the foot, into actual movement by translating electrical messages from the brain into ...
PH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. In the human body, the pH levels must be maintained within a narrow range. Acids are a product of normal metabolic processes, and, when the body is functioning properl...
Dancing's effects on the body are generally positive unless injury is involved. Done at a moderate or higher tempo, it usually causes a sweat and qualifies as aerobic exercise. Dancing burns calories and can positively affect w...
The human body has several small, crater-like pockets or channels called sinuses. In common usage, the term sinus is usually applied to those areas located in the nasal cavity, also referred to as paranasal sinuses. These sinu...
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin." Though sunlight itself doesn't carry this essential nutrient, exposure to sunlight can cause this vitamin to form in the body. Vitamin D carries out important functions in...
Carbohydrates exist as two forms in terms of digestion and the jobs they perform within your body. Digestible carbohydrates release energy to fuel your activities, while indigestible carbohydrates improve your gastroint
Add a variety of unsalted nuts to your diet and feel good about the many ways your body will benefit.
Proper nutrition plays a vital in your daily functioning and physical health. Health organizations, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have developed comprehensive guidelines regarding nutrition to help people of all a...
The distinct shapes of various proteins enable them to perform specific functions. Proteins are categorized according to their role in the body, which include structural, enzymatic, immunologic, transportation and signaling fun...
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood, urine and body fluid that carry an electrical charge. Your body requires a balance of electrolytes for proper blood chemistry, muscle function and other essential functions. Low electrol...
The human body derives its nutritional needs from six individual categories: carbohydrates, protein, fat, water, vitamins and minerals. The human body is unable to produce minerals on its own, so it must rely on other sources -...
glasses of water each day. Everyone knows that water is necessary for life and good health, but the actual effects of water on the human body may not be so clear. In truth, water is integral to all biological processes, says Ma...
All the foods that you eat contain chemical compounds called "nutrients," which your body needs for growth and maintaining health. Since your body cannot manufacture these essential nutrients, they need to be part of your diet....
Every system is affected as you grow older, according to J.E. Anderson, professor of food science and human nutrition at Colorade State University Extension. For example, your sense of smell and taste may fade, you lose muscle ...
When you hear the word acid, you probably think of corrosive chemicals or the recreational drug called lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD. To a chemist, however, an acid is just a compound that donates or gives away a hydrogen i...
An essential nutrient is one that is necessary for proper body functioning and that cannot be manufactured by the human body. If the body does not obtain these nutrients, deficiencies can occur and cause serious health problems...
One of protein's primary functions in the body is to replace broken down proteins in muscle tissue. These proteins are necessary for muscle maintenance and development. The amount of protein necessary to maintain your current l...
The human body doesn't manufacture everything it needs to function and develop properly. That's why your diet is such an important part of growth and overall wellness. Several basic nutrients provide most of the body's fundamen...
Whether you check the label, consult your physician or contact the manufacturer directly, this step helps ensure your health and safety. Although calcium and iron are essential for proper body functioning, consuming a product t...
The functioning of nearly every part of the body changes in response to exercise. The most important changes are seen in the muscles being used, the heart, the lungs, and in the release of energy stores into the body. While run...
Manganese is a trace element, which means you only need a small amount; however, it is still essential for your body's good health. Many common foods, particularly whole grains, have high levels of manganese, so you should be a...
Gold is more than just an expensive yellow metal. It has been exploited by physicians for decades to treat rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and a variety of other disorders. However, gold's usefulness for many of these conditions h...
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body. You need it for such functions as tissue repair and energy production, and it also contributes to bone strength and muscle health. Most healthy diets give people...
When your body loses more fluid, such as that lost through sweating, than you consume, dehydration results. Many people experience mild dehydration from time to time. However, profound dehydration leads to serious and sometimes...
Although you need a small amount of sodium every day to keep your body functioning properly, you may be getting more than you actually need. This is true for the average American, who gets about 75 percent of his daily sodium f...
The basic nutrients a human body needs to exist fall into five categories: protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fats. When you feed your body necessary nutrients, you will often find that you have more energy, are bet...
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that makes up almost 1 percent of your body weight and is found in every cell of your body. The molecules that store energy in your body all contain phosphorus. Nearly all food contains some l...
They give berries their bright colors and add flavor to your best dishes. They are also prevalent in whole grains, most nuts and some meats. Even if you consume a wide variety of antioxidants each day, it is hard to see their d...
The more electrically active the cells, the more they will be affected by imbalances of potassium. As such, nerves and muscles are particularly sensitive. While the source of potassium comes from outside the body, the function ...
Your body stores carbs in the form of glycogen in your liver and muscles. Additionally, your body converts excess carbs to be stored in fat tissue.
Calcium is an important mineral for your body. It primarily takes three forms in the body. First, it is part of the molecular composition of bone, forming a complex with other molecules. In the blood, it exists in two forms: on...
Carbohydrate-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains contribute to a healthy diet and supply your body with its preferred source of energy. Your body uses and stores calories from protein, fats and carbohydrates i...
A nutrient is any chemical or compound that is needed for an organism to survive. There are six main types of nutrients needed by the human body: water, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The first four nutri...
Aware of the growing number of gluten-free products on the shelves today, you may wonder what gluten is and what are the consequences of consuming it. The answer to the first question is straightforward while the answer to the...
Soccer is a sport that taxes the entire body. Players need speed and endurance for the extensive running during a game, strong legs to move the ball down the pitch and upper-body strength to handle sliding tackles and other phy...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular activity can help to control your body weight, lower your risk of disease, improve your mental health, and strengthen your bones and muscles. All physical activity uses the mu...
Iron is an important trace mineral. As an essential element of your blood, iron plays an important role in your health. Hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells, is the main iron supplier to all of your bo...
Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in foods such as fruit and honey. Common table sugar is usually half fructose and half glucose. Fructose is used as a sweetener in many prepared foods, mainly because it is sweeter tha...
Niacin and niacinamide are forms of vitamin B-3. Besides getting niacinamide from food and supplements, your body can also make it from niacin. This happens especially when you over-consume niacin, according to MedlinePlus. Nia...
With some basic knowledge however you can learn to train all your muscles in a very short space of time, allowing you to spend minimal time at the gym and get maximum results. Some of the following exercises, if done incorrectl...
L-Glycine, or glycine, is a non-essential amino acid, which means your body can produce it on its own if not enough glycine is available through your diet. Glycine is the smallest amino acid in size, but it has many powerful ef...
Enzymes are special types of protein that your body uses to initiate its basic chemical reactions. Without enzyme activity, most of these reactions would not occur fast enough to sustain human life. Three specific examples of e...
Macronutrients refer to protein, fats and carbohydrates, collectively -- three important dietary components that your body requires in significant quantities for energy and growth. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals t...
Your intestines are responsible for breaking food down into energy, and into nutrients small enough to be absorbed and used by your body. A properly functioning intestinal system keeps you healthy by absorbing what your body ne...
Food gives the human body many elements needed to sustain life through metabolism. The metabolic network of chemical processes allows you to think, breathe, move, eat and digest foods to access their protein, fats, vitamins, mi...
Phospholipids comprise an important class of biological molecules that serve both structural and functional roles in the human body. Their unique composition allows phospholipids to form isolated "envelopes" within the watery e...
The Harvard School of Public Health goes even further, recommending nine servings of vegetables and fruits each day. It's enough to make you wonder exactly why vegetables are so important to human health.
Your body requires certain minerals to help support cellular, enzymatic, hormone and other biological activity every day. Specifically, there are 11 major and 10 trace minerals currently acknowledged as essential. The major min...
While it may seem like the horse does all of the work during barrel racing, it is actually a vary physical endeavor for the human as well. If you fail to use the proper muscles, then there is a good chance you'll end up head fi...
Each time your heart beats and your muscles move when your brain directs them, you have potassium to thank. This mineral is responsible for a number of vital functions in the human body -- without it, you would not be able to l...
While the water intake requirements are typically easy to achieve through water, juice, sports drinks and foods that contain water, if you're sick, exerting your body or in warmer, drier climates, you may need to make a conscio...
Most of the calcium in your body is in your bones, with less than 1 percent of calcium in your blood. Because the concentration is so small, it is important the amount of calcium in your blood remains constant. When the amount ...
Exercise has so many benefits for the human body. Among the most important is improved endurance. Endurance is the ability to exert yourself for a long period of time. Improving your endurance can be accomplished through modera...
MSM contains sulfur, which is helpful for many body functions. MSM shows promise as a treatment for several health conditions.
Of the many concerns surrounding this debate is the question of whether or not the human body can digest red meat. Although the digestive tract is designed to break down the proteins and fats found in red meat, research indicat...
Just like vitamins, the body requires that you ingest certain minerals each day to maintain health. Also like vitamins, your body absorbs these minerals -- or, uptakes them into the bloodstream -- for use in various somatic cel...
You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Many people associate the word "calcium" with bone health; however, calcium is involved in a whole host of functions. From helping enzymes work to aiding in your cellul...
Phosphates are chemical compounds that are found in the human body and throughout the natural world. The element phosphorous, a key component of phosphates, is essential to human, plant and animal life. Next to calcium, phospho...
Measuring your pH level assesses how acidic or basic your body is. A variety of metabolic processes monitor your pH level and keep it within a tight range to ensure that your body operates properly. Some holistic medicine advoc...
Roughage, bulk, fiber, whatever you call it, your body uses non-digestible carbohydrates to assist in keeping your bowels regular, but dietary fiber causes other positive effects besides making your trips to the toilet less str...
Feelings of tightness in your body's muscles are often caused by muscle contractions. While many people seek the help of aromatherapists to reduce tightness in their muscles, the ability to induce contractions may be beneficial...
Calories are units of energy the body gets from food. Three basic food components, including carbohydrates, fats and proteins, supply calories to the human body. Fats have more calories per gram than carbohydrates and proteins.
The heart is the strongest muscle in the human body. Hardwired to beat automatically, the heart is a sophisticated combination of muscles and nerves that control and modulate your heart rate. According to the Yale University Sc...
Potassium is a mineral found in the body's chemistry. Often referred to as an electrolyte, it provides a positive charge that helps catalyze the body's metabolic processes. Potassium plays many important roles in the body. It i...
Nutrient bioavailability impacts the quality of your health and risk of disease. Bioavailability is defined as absorption and utilization of a nutrient, according to research by scientists at the University of Colorado School o...
While doctors may prescribe complete bed rest to people with injuries or illness, extended total inactivity has adverse effects on all of your body's systems. Basic exercises maintain your muscle function until you are able to ...
Prawns are considered a delicacy by many people and appear on gourmet restaurant menus around the world. Seafood should be a healthy part of your diet, and eating prawns delivers the nutritional benefits these sea creatures hav...
Excessive calcium in the human body is called hypercalcemia. The body maintains levels of electrically charged minerals called electrolytes within a tight range. Electrolytes are important for distributing fluids in the body, a...
Manganese is one of the minerals that is listed on the vitamin jar, but you probably never really think about it. It actually does have an impact on your health, but it does not get the same recognition as some of the other mor...
In addition to vitamins, amino acids and other substances, minerals are crucial for healthy growth and development. As with any dietary product, discuss mineral supplements with your doctor before you start taking them on a reg...
When eating processed foods, it is nearly impossible to avoid chemicals added for flavor and color, and as preservatives. Sodium nitrate is an additive found in most deli meats, breakfast meats and hams. While consumed in large...
Your body needs iodine in trace amounts. Your thyroid gland uses it to make thyroid hormones, whose function is to regulate important metabolic processes. Underproduction can lead to various thyroid diseases, as well as growth ...
During digestion, carbs are broken down to their basic glucose units, and these molecules are absorbed into the blood to be used for energy when needed. When humans consume carbs in excess of energy needs, the body stores them ...
It probably happened when you were just a kid -- the first time you noticed that corn looks remarkably similar passing from your body as it did going in. Although it appears that corn passes through your gastrointestinal system...
Physiological adaptations start to occur almost immediately when beginning a new exercise program. Many changes occur throughout the body, but the most significant changes include changes in the muscles, bones and cardiovascula...
In order to stay healthy, the human body needs to move. In modern times, we have many conveniences that make our life easier; cars, planes, trains and buses can take us places faster, but they also take away a lot of our moveme...
Swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States, according to the Census Bureau. Swimming improves your health in a variety of ways, like decreasing your risk for heart disease, helping you lose weight ...
Getting rid of a flat butt requires building glute muscles. Your gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in your body and is the one responsible for keeping you in an upright position. If your backside is not filling out your jea...
Protein in itself is not absorbed by the body; it is digested by the body and converted to usable amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The human body can only absorb so much protein per day. Consuming beyond ...
Lipids are fats. In the body they take the form of phospholipids, cholesterol and fatty acids. Although fats are usually associated with obesity and disease, your body needs a certain amount of fat to function -- also known as ...
Flowering members of the nightshade family of plants, hot peppers belong to the genus capsicum and are native to the tropical Americas. People unaccustomed to the intense effects on the human body shy away from these brightly c...
A nutritional deficiency in your diet can cause anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. Aside from water, human blood is composed mainly of these cells, which your body needs for oxygen transport to cells. Increasing foods in yo...
The magnesium you consume in the foods you eat plays many roles in the human body. It's necessary for your muscles to contract and relax normally and for your body to make protein and energy. Most people get an ample supply of ...
Selenium may only be found in trace amounts within the human body, but this mineral is essential for many bodily functions. Not only does it work to rid your cells of damaging free radicals, but it also keeps your immune system...
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is one of the essential B vitamins that the body requires from a balanced diet. The Mayo Clinic explains that although it is water soluble, this nutrient is stored in the body in small amounts. Howeve...
The amount of potassium in your bloodstream is finely regulated because potassium plays a major role in generating the electrical currents that make your heart, nerves and muscles work properly. Many Americans consume less pota...
Protein is a nutrient your body requires to perform a number of functions -- so when you don't consume enough, you will likely notice it. Food sources like soybeans, red meat, beans, turkey, chicken and dairy products are high ...
It also provides fuel for optimal brain and nervous system activity, which may help support cognitive functions such as learning and memory. The human body stores glucose in several forms to meet immediate and future energy req...
The buttocks, or glutes, are the largest muscle group in the human body. The best way to target the glutes in exercise is to focus on hip extension, aligning the femur, or upper leg bone, with the spine, as this is the movement...
The human body is comprised of over 600 muscles. The muscular system makes up nearly half of a person's body weight. There are three different types of muscles in the body: skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles and smooth muscles. ...
Minerals such as zinc are inorganic elements naturally occurring in the earth. Zinc is available in many foods or as a dietary supplement. You can get zinc in your diet by consuming plant foods, since they naturally absorb zinc...
Not only will you improve movement patterns and some athletic abilities, you will also burn more calories and have more fun than just training one muscle group at a time, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Fo...
The hamstrings are a group of three individual muscles in the back of the thigh responsible for a range of movement in the hips and knees. The human body consists of three basic types of muscles, and all of the hamstring muscle...
Anise, a white, bulbed vegetable also known as fennel, can be part of a nutritious diet. The effects of this food on the human body include benefits to your immune system, heart and bowels. It may also be a smart choice when yo...
When you begin a new exercise routine, you are eager to reap the health benefits. The time it can take for your body to adapt to the exercise depends on a few factors. How you manipulate the variables of intensity, duration and...
If you become underweight or overweight, you could develop serious health conditions -- some of which could result in death. If you're unsure of what body weight is right for you, consult with your physician and, if necessary, ...
As your body size increases, the stem cells must adjust the amount of blood in your body to meet the increased demands for oxygen and other nutrients. But body size alone isn't the only factor influencing blood volume. Lean tis...
However, when amino acids bind together to form shorter chains they become something more than the sum of their parts but something less than fully formed proteins. L-carnosine is one such small chain, and though more recently ...
Protein is a found throughout the human body in muscle, bones, hair, nails, skin and enzymes. It is the main structural component of the cells in our body. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. Consumption of pr...
Your body undergoes physiologic changes during exercise so that your working muscles receive enough oxygenated blood to sustain strenuous activity. The blood vessels will either widen to allow greater flow to a specific area or...
Seven is neutral, lower numbers are more acidic, and higher numbers are more alkaline. Acidosis, which occurs when your blood pH falls below 7.35, can affect your central nervous system and lead to a coma. Severe acidosis can ...
There are great many variations of pushups that you can choose from, including Hindu pushups, dive-bomber pushups, handstand pushups, Spiderman pushups and box pushups. All pushup variations target similar muscle groups and the...
PH balance in the human body refers to the level of alkalinity and acidity in the blood, fluids and tissues. Homeostasis is the term used to describe proper pH balance in your body. To maintain optimal health, you need to main...
Found in everything from tap water to junk food, potassium is inescapable. Deficiencies are almost entirely unknown, outside of diseases such as anorexia or starvation. Too much potassium -- a state called hyperkalemia -- is a ...
Thanks to the contraction of your 600 or so skeletal muscles, your body can move in several directions. A skeletal muscle comprises fibers held together by fascia and typically attaches to two bones via the tendons. For each mo...
Sugar comes in many forms, some of which you might not know about. It also makes an appearance in many processed foods where you wouldn't expect to see it. How you differentiate between these sugars depends on how your body met...
Flaxseed -- the small brown seeds often sold in bulk at health-food stores -- is a convenient source of an important nutrient. Whether you need flaxseed in your diet depends on whether you're getting adequate amounts of omega-3...
Proteins are present throughout the body, providing structure and helping create important substances required for good health. This nutrient is a necessary component of the human diet. The body cannot store proteins as it does...
Electrolytes are molecules that have an electrical charge. They are important in many of the processes in the human body, including the movement of muscles, the transmission of electrical signals in the brain, and the fluid bal...
The human body is a complex system, requiring energy to carry out its myriad of metabolic processes. To maintain its functions, the body needs a constant supply of nutrients. An appropriately balanced diet with essential nutrie...
In order to get the most out of exercise you need to put the right raw materials in. There are certain necessities the human body needs while exercising. Without them, your body will not perform at its best and you will not gai...
Skeletal muscle is one of three types of muscle in the human body. It is voluntarily controlled and allows for movements of the skeletal system and maintenance of posture. Physical activity, specifically weight and resistance t...
In fact, it is also considered an electrolyte because it carries a tiny electrical charge. Potassium is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones. Food sources include many fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, parsley, bro...
Muscles are specialized tissues within the body that serve their purpose primarily by contracting. This is accomplished when muscle tissue employs the proteins actin and myosin, which slide past each other to create movement. H...
The torso and shoulder are comprised of a complex series of muscles that provide a vast amount of physical mobility. Your torso muscles help support your mid and lower back, and your shoulder muscles are designed to stabilize y...
Whatever the reason, though, many people are serious about building muscle mass but don't know how to go about doing it. It takes exercise and stimulation of your muscles to cause growth.
Four muscles on the front of the thigh make up the quadriceps. The vastus medialis, lateralis and intermedius attach to the thighbones and shin bones, and the rectus femoris starts at the pelvis and lies across the hip joint. T...
Muscles are specialized tissues in your body that contain thousands of movable, elastic fibers. A particular type of muscle tissue, called skeletal muscle, is attached to bones throughout your body. When you want to move, your ...
You contract your muscles as a form of non-verbal communication.But unlike your other muscles, which attach to your bones, your facial muscles attach to other muscles or to your facial skin. As a result, any contraction small o...
Any consistent cardiovascular exercise you perform will help you improve your endurance, strengthen your muscles and reduce your risk of developing life threatening illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabe...
Billions of structures that fall into four major categories combine to make up the human body. The four basic parts of the human anatomy include tissue, cells, organs and systems. Life begins with a basic cell and continues to ...
Inclusion body myositis is a form of polymyositis in which skeletal muscles become inflamed and weak. This condition is most common in black females between the age of 30 to 50. Left untreated, inclusion body myositis can lead ...
The smallest muscles in your body are housed in or around your ear and surrounding your hair follicles. Some of these muscles are so tiny that they are the size of a grain of rice, while others are slightly larger -- but not by...
With over 600 muscles in the human body, 11 muscles are considered major muscles. A major muscle is categorized as a voluntary skeletal muscle that is controlled by the somatic nervous system, according to the National Academy ...
It trains movement patterns rather than muscles, such as squatting, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, running and rolling. The fitness professional must tailor to the individual client a functional training program, which mus...
Muscle testing refers to the practice of "applied kinesiology." This practice tests muscles for functional weakness with the objective of prescribing various individualized natural therapies, according to Dr. John B. Campise in...
These are the muscles that become most defined with exercise, and they are easy to locate and palpate. Deeper muscles are smaller and harder to find by palpation. They don't contribute as much to the shape of the body as superf...
The human body is composed of over 600 muscles. Each one has a specific anatomical location and size. As the name implies, the hip abductors are found near the hip bones. Due to their moderate size, they are responsible for sta...
According to the book "Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention," the human body contains about 430 skeletal muscles, but only about 75 pairs account for most of your body's motion. The physical ability of the musc...
The pH of a substance is a chemical reading of how acidic or basic/alkaline it is. Your body tightly regulates pH levels to maintain overall good health. Different organs, cell types and compartments within cells maintain vario...
Astaxanthin is classified as a carotenoid. Carotenoids are yellow and red pigments that are commonly found in plants, algae and bacteria. Dietary intake of astaxanthin can provide your body with antioxidant benefits. You may i...
Your body consists of over 600 muscles that make up about 40 percent of your total body weight. These muscles are constantly contracting and relaxing in an effort to make your body parts move. You can increase the strength of y...
The body's pH level influences its health. The acid-base balance of your blood is significant for normal daily function, healing and digestion. The acidity or alkalinity level of your body is determined by a pH, potential of hy...
It was estimated in 1998 that the market for creatine products was approximately $200 million. Creatine powder has become widely available in most general health and fitness stores. Creatine supplementation has been marketed to...
Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the body, including the muscles. A complex network of blood vessels, called arteries, takes the blood from the heart to the muscles. Then a different set of blood vessels, ca...
Your body requires a certain amount of water to function properly. When your water-percentage gets out of whack, and you have too much or too little water in your system, you may experience negative effects. To maintain a healt...
Along with bones and the anchoring connective tissue of tendons and ligaments, these muscles form your musculoskeletal system, which not only provides a framework for your body but also is responsible for movement. ThinkQuest.c...
According to Exrx.net, the shoulder can flex, extend, abduct, adduct and internally and externally rotate. Flexion is the movement of the arm up in front of the body. Extension is the movement of the arm up and in back of the bo
There are literally hundreds of potential causes for muscular pain in different areas of your body, and you should certainly talk to your doctor if you are suffering from chronic, or long-term, pain. If your pain is the result ...
Muscles are one of the most dynamic forms of tissue in the body. They can grow---an act called hypertrophy---in response to trauma brought on by physical effort and repeated muscle contractions. The purpose of muscles is simply...
You use a variety of muscles and muscle groups in your body every day, but some are busier than others. Muscles make it possible for you to move, help support your body and give you the strength to lift your baby, climb stairs ...
The human body contains more than 600 muscles. Different muscles within the muscular system play an important part in sustaining life and providing a method of movement. The three different types of muscles include smooth, car...
The human body is made up of hundreds of muscles that must work together to allow for body movements. Although many of the body's muscles are small, and work in accordance with other muscles for proper movement, there are large...
Exercise specialists may refer to upper body and lower body exercises, or exercises the work the back, legs, chest or arms, but knowing the specific muscles can help you communicate your goals and enhance your exercise experien...
Many people have had the sensation of their arm or foot "going to sleep." Numbness is the word used to describe this tingling and lack of sensation. The trigeminal nerve controls sensation in the face. This nerve divides into t...
It's also your personal blood bank in case of serious blood loss. If not working properly it causes many ailments such as obesity, bloating, muscle weakness, loose stool and constipation.
Immediate removal is necessary if i...
Many types of receptors exist in the human body. These receptors monitor pain, temperature, sensation, blood pressure and everything else. Two types of specialized receptors in the muscles are called muscle spindles and golgi-t...
Creating a normal pH balance in the body can seem difficult because of the all the acid-forming foods available to us. As a result, many people nowadays suffer from over-acidification, which is also known as acidosis. The norma...
This lowers solution pH to values less than 7, which is considered neutral, whereas lower pH values correspond to more strongly acidic solutions. There are many examples of acids and acidity in humans, as well as examples of ac...
Smoking is linked to heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases and infertility. In the past few years, evidence has also increased regarding the negative effect of smoking on the muscles of the body and physical fitness.
The body is made of many muscles each with its own responsibilities for human movement. It is important for total body strength development to complete exercises that target each muscle. If all muscles are not worked properly, ...
Weight training is a pivotal part of increasing body muscles, and it comes with multiple health benefits. It can help you tone your muscles, improve your appearance and fight age-related muscle loss, according to the Mayo Clini...
In some cases, worms may be spread through sexual intercourse when anal and oral sexual contact occur, according to Planned Parenthood. The two most common internal parasites are Helminths and protozoa. Both are worms and can ...
The purpose of resistance muscle testing, whether performed manually or by a machine, is to determine the extent of muscular weakness as the result of an injury, disease or disuse. Anti-gravity resistive muscle testing was fir...
Cigarette smoke affects nearly every organ in the body, increasing the risk of several types of infections and illnesses that often lead to death. The American Lung Association reports that in 2008, about 46 million adults in t...
You have more than 400 muscles in your body, making up nearly half your body weight, according to Dr. Susan Hall, author of "Basic Biomechanics." Your muscles attach to your bones via tendons, located at their ends. When they c...
Your body has more than 600 skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are attached to your bones and contract to cause movement. Most muscles are arranged in pairs and have a specific action. When contracting, they work against an opp...
Tendinosis is a medical term used to describe the tearing and progressive degradation of a tendon. Tendons are structural components of the human body that ensure muscles remain bound to the correct bone during normal daily act...
There are more than 600 skeletal muscles in the human body making up 40 to 50 percent of the body weight in an average adult. Skeletal muscles consist of individual muscle cells. Muscle cells are stimulated by the corresponding...
Gluten allergies and sensitivities vary from person to person, but according to the Gluten Intolerance Group, some of the symptoms can include severe muscle aches as a result of an autoimmune reaction to the gluten protein. The...
The human skin is composed of three different layers. Known as the integumentary system, the skin is considered an organ, the largest of the body. Without it, living would be impossible. It holds moisture in the body, regulates...
Most of the actions of your skeletal muscles are voluntary while movement of your heart and smooth muscles are involuntary. Your voluntary and involuntary muscle cells ultimately receive stimulation from your nervous system, wh...
There are more than 600 muscles in the human body divided into three types: skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and smooth muscle. The big muscles or major muscles are usually thought of in groups. When you exercise or train, you a...
The heart is the centerpiece of the human circulatory system. The heart is a fist-sized muscle located just left-of-center in the chest. Its primary job is to pump blood throughout the body to deliver the oxygen and nutrients n...
The human body has skeletal or striated-voluntary muscle, cardiac or striated-involuntary muscle and smooth or unstriated-involuntary muscle. At rest or less than maximal exercise intensities, your muscles get their energy from...
Voluntary muscles are one of three types of muscle in the body; smooth and cardiac are the other two types. There are more than 600 muscles in the body, and each falls into one of these categories. Smooth muscles are involuntar...
Pressure points are specific sensitive areas on the surface of the body. You can exploit a pressure point for many uses. Martial artists quickly disable attackers by using a simple but forced push on a pressure point. Stimulati...
You have more than 600 skeletal muscles in your body, connecting primarily to your bones via tendons. Muscles are classified according to their size, shape and fiber arrangement. They are named according to their location, func...
The human body has three different types of muscle tissue. Each of the muscle types work differently, allowing us to have control over some bodily functions and little or no control over other bodily functions, based on how the...
Muscles are fibers in your body that are responsible for converting energy into movement. Because your body has many important moving parts, you have many muscles that behave in different ways. There are three types of importan...
All of your muscles have names that are derived from Greek and Latin. Muscles are named according to one or more of their characteristics: size, shape, location, action, number of attachments and fiber direction.
The skeletal muscles of men and women are very similar in structure and function. Men have a higher concentration of testosterone produced in their body. Ultimately, this increased availability of testosterone predisposes a man...
Involuntary muscles are either nonstriated or striated. They are found in the walls of hollow organs, in your eyes and around your hair follicles. Cardiac or heart muscle cells appear striated under a microscope because of the ...
CoQ10, known also as coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone, is a chemical found in almost every cell in the human body, with particularly high concentrations in the heart muscle. The vitamin-like substance is essential to the production ...
Common sense indicates that legs need rest. The human body's legs are taken for granted and carry our weight to and from destinations such as work every day. Tense, tired muscles need a time of relaxation, and there are simple ...
Fortified with an exclusive highly bio-available protein blend called METAMYOSYN® that claims to support muscle and strength, and bolstered by fearless marketing when it was introduced to the world's top athletes and cele...
With over 600 muscles in the human body, muscles have a variety of functions and support us in carrying out simple activities such as walking and grabbing objects to more complex ones like running and jumping. The soleus is one...
Fortunately, the human body is designed to adapt to whatever stressors are placed on it, which means that the strength of each individual muscle and the speed at which they contract in synchrony with each other can be improved ...
Skeletal muscle, also called striated muscle, is the type of muscle that we typically think of when we discuss muscle. It is the type of muscle that is responsible for locomotion and other body movements. There are over 600 ske...
The hip is where the legs connect to the upper body. Normally, the hip joint provides a great deal of stability. However, certain diseases, injuries or excessive prolonged use can lead to hip problems. While the severity of hip...
You have pressure points throughout your body that can have an effect on specific areas. Stimulating these points can create a reduction in aches and pains, as well as increase your overall relaxation through stress relief. The...
The pubococcygeal, or PC, muscle is involved in dozens of functions of the human body. A strong PC muscle may benefit men and women of all ages, particularly those suffering from sexual dysfunction or incontinence. Simple daily...
Smooth muscles of the human body are activated by your autonomic nervous system, or the part of your nervous system creating involuntary movement within your body. You cannot consciously control these muscles. These muscles con...
Many tennis players wonder why a backhand is so much more difficult to hit than a forehand. The answer to this and other questions about tennis shots has more to do with the muscles used to hit a tennis ball than with the actua...
The American Council on Exercise says there are more than 600 individual muscles in the human body. Trying to develop a resistance routine around that number would be impossible. There are, however, groupings of muscles, that a...