Synopsis

We all know that the heart is very important but what exactly does the heart do? Why is the blood so important? What functions do the lungs perform? In this unit, we will try to provide at least a basic understanding so we can answer these questions and begin to understand why knowing about the heart is important for all sports people. Before that we will take a look at the human body.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 What to expect
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The body as a machine
2.3 The body's different systems
2.4 The body's different components
2.5 What's this got to do with sport?
2.6 Making notes
2.7 A few final comments
3 The heart, blood and the lungs
4.1 Introduction
4.2 A resting heart rate
4.3 Measuring your heart rate
4.4 Maximum heart rate
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Two halves of one pumping system
5.3 Blood vessels: veins, arteries and capillaries
5.4 Finding your own arteries and veins
5.5 What is blood?
5.6 A few final thoughts
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The body, the lungs and oxygen
6.3 The role of oxygen in sports performance
6.4 Athletes and oxygen intake
6.5 Training at high altitude
6.6 A few final thoughts
7 Next steps
8 Glossary
Next steps
Acknowledgements

 

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