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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of both type IIa and type IIx fast twitch muscle fibers?
A
They have high resistance to fatigue
B
They primarily use aerobic metabolism
C
They contract rapidly
D
They contain large amounts of myoglobin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the characteristics of fast-twitch muscle fibers: Type IIa and Type IIx are both fast-twitch fibers, meaning they are designed for quick, powerful contractions. They differ in their metabolic properties and fatigue resistance.
Review the contraction speed of fast-twitch fibers: Both Type IIa and Type IIx fibers contract rapidly compared to slow-twitch fibers (Type I). This rapid contraction is a defining feature of fast-twitch fibers.
Analyze fatigue resistance: Type IIa fibers have moderate resistance to fatigue due to their ability to use both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, while Type IIx fibers fatigue quickly because they primarily rely on anaerobic metabolism.
Examine metabolic pathways: Type IIa fibers primarily use aerobic metabolism but can also utilize anaerobic pathways, whereas Type IIx fibers rely almost entirely on anaerobic metabolism for energy production.
Evaluate myoglobin content: Type IIa fibers contain moderate amounts of myoglobin, aiding in aerobic metabolism, while Type IIx fibers have lower myoglobin levels, reflecting their reliance on anaerobic processes.