btec national unit 1 energy systems

Starter…complete this in teams

Energy SystemsWhere does energy come from? Which nutrients give us energy?

How do we use it?

Does it run out? What does anaerobic and aerobic mean?

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Energy Systems – an introduction

©Subject Support 2010.

• Phosphocreatine

• Lactic Acid System

• Aerobic Energy System

Phosphocreatine(PC)System


• ATP ( Adenosine Tri-Phosphate ): Bodies usable form of energy

• Combines with water to release energy

• ATP provides energy for muscle contractions – 3 seconds worth



• ATP and Phosphocreatine make up the PC system

• PC is a high energy compound

• Stored in muscles

• Fuels the next 5-7 seconds = 10 seconds total



• Creatine Phosphate is broken down to make ATP

• Anaerobic System ( No O2 )

• Used when: Sprinting / Jumping / Throwing / Tackling

Lactic Acid System


• Anaerobic

• High Intensity activities

• Used when ATP/PC has run out

• Breakdown of Muscle Glycogen

Lactic Acid System


• Anaerobic Glycolysis

• Lasts 60 – 90 seconds

• E.G. 400M

• Lactic Acid is produced – Leads to fatigue ( Burning Sensation )

Aerobic System


• Needs O2 to breakdown Glucose / Fat

• Long-term energy

• Produces CO2 and H20

• Lower Intensity activities

Aerobic System


• Takes longer to breakdown Fats than Glucose

• Breakdown of Glucose = 38 ATP. Fats = 129 ATP

• E.G. Marathon, Long Distance Swimming / Cycling

btec national unit 1 energy systems

Sports