Name the two main skeletal muscle fiber types and a characteristic of each.

Study for the Paramedic Aandamp;P Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Name the two main skeletal muscle fiber types and a characteristic of each.

Two main skeletal muscle fiber types are slow-twitch (Type I) and fast-twitch (Type II). Slow-twitch fibers contract more slowly, rely on oxidative (aerobic) metabolism, have many mitochondria and high myoglobin, and are fatigue-resistant—well-suited for endurance. Fast-twitch fibers contract quickly, rely more on glycolytic (anaerobic) metabolism, generate high force but fatigue rapidly. The best answer pairs Type I as slow-twitch and oxidative with fatigue resistance, and Type II as fast-twitch and glycolytic with fatigue, which matches the standard distinction between endurance-oriented and power-oriented fibers. Within fast-twitch, note there are subtypes (IIa, IIb/IIx) with varying oxidative capacity, but the two main categories and their general traits are captured here.

Two main skeletal muscle fiber types are slow-twitch (Type I) and fast-twitch (Type II). Slow-twitch fibers contract more slowly, rely on oxidative (aerobic) metabolism, have many mitochondria and high myoglobin, and are fatigue-resistant—well-suited for endurance. Fast-twitch fibers contract quickly, rely more on glycolytic (anaerobic) metabolism, generate high force but fatigue rapidly. The best answer pairs Type I as slow-twitch and oxidative with fatigue resistance, and Type II as fast-twitch and glycolytic with fatigue, which matches the standard distinction between endurance-oriented and power-oriented fibers. Within fast-twitch, note there are subtypes (IIa, IIb/IIx) with varying oxidative capacity, but the two main categories and their general traits are captured here.

More practice questions