Module One: Human Anatomy
Many aspire to it, dream of it and fantasize about it... the human body in a ripped muscular state, chiseled to perfection and fueled with only the finest of raw materials. Others prefer a well toned, feminine and strong looking physique, while many athletes desire power and strength or endurance and stamina. In this module, you are able to move deep within the intricate workings of the body and thus understand how it functions, in a world where health and fitness and athletic performance are a top priority.
Because human curiosity has always managed to manifest itself into a number of disciplines, the most intriguing, and perhaps the most inviting, is the exploration of the human continent, the anatomy of our form and the structure of our frame. The first section on the muscular system details skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle tissue, while focusing on muscle contraction, energy sources, various fiber types and their functional characteristics.
Basic muscle groups are catalogued, isotonic and isometric contraction is defined, and sarcopenia, the phenomenon of muscle loss associated with disuse and aging is explained. The vascular section, responsible for nourishing trillions of cells in the body, studies the systems of blood and oxygen transport, the quality of blood, various types of blood cells, and the importance of hemostasis to the functioning of this vast network.
The skeletal system, which is very much alive with its own system of blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves, focuses on the bone cells, various hormones involved in skeletal strength and density, osteoporosis, the importance of weight-bearing exercise, mineral metabolism and the articular system (joints).
The endocrine system, which is a complex and highly specialized network of "ductless" glands, takes you deep into a vast network, connected directly to neurological function, immune system regulation and gene expression, all of which contribute to the body's activities and preservation of homeostasis. This section will help you understand the important role of the endocrine system and how the various primary hormones (growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, melatonin, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, thyroxine and triiodothyronine) influence muscle growth, athletic performance and the deposition of fat.
Module One Table of Contents
Module One Course Excerpt