Which of the following statements about muscle fiber recruitment is true?

Study for the AandP Muscle and Tissue Exam with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Prepare for success!

The statement that more fibers are recruited for stronger contractions reflects a fundamental principle of muscle physiology known as the size principle. During physical activities, muscle fibers are recruited based on the strength and duration of the required contraction. Initially, smaller, slow-twitch fibers are activated, which are more resistant to fatigue and suitable for endurance activities. As the demand for force increases, larger, fast-twitch fibers are recruited, which can generate more power but fatigue more quickly.

This recruitment process allows the body to effectively manage energy use while still meeting the demands of various activities, ensuring that the right balance of muscle fibers is utilized based on the intensity of the effort. Thus, the correct answer highlights the relationship between the extent of muscle activation and the strength of the contraction needed, illustrating how the body optimally engages muscle fibers to adapt to different levels of exertion.

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