NASM-CPT Key Terms and Answers
Absorption - ansThe process of nutrients being absorbed into the body during the digestive process.
Adrenal Glands - ansA gland, located just above the kidneys, responsible for the secretion of catecholamines
and cortisol.
Anabolic - ansMetabolic process that synthesizes smaller molecules into larger units used for building and
repairing tissues.
Angiogenesis - ansThe formation of new capillaries from existing blood vessels.
Arteries - ansVessels that transport blood away from the heart.
Arterioles - ansSmall arteries that eventually divide into capillaries.
Atrioventricular Node - ansLocated between the atria and ventricles, this node delays the impulse from the
sinoatrial node before allowing it to pass to the ventricles.
Atrium (Atria) - ansSuperior chamber(s) of the heart that gathers blood returning to the heart.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - ansThe amount of energy required to maintain the body at rest.
Blood - ansFluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins; it carries nutrients and oxygen to all
parts of the body and also transports waste products from the body to other compartments or organs for
either processing (e.g., liver) or excretion (e.g., kidney).
Blood Pressure (BP) - ansThe outward pressure exerted by the blood on the vessel walls; reported as systolic/
diastolic.
, Blood Vessels - ansNetwork of hollow tubes that circulates blood throughout the body.
Bradycardia - ansWhen the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute.
Bradypnea - ansRespiratory rate that is too slow; fewer than 8 breaths per minute.
Calcitonin - ansThyroid hormone that helps the body use calcium properly to aid with maintaining bone mineral
density.
Capillaries - ansThe smallest blood vessels and the site of exchange of elements between the blood and the
tissues.
Cardiac Muscle - ansMuscle of the heart.
Cardiac Output (Q) - ansThe overall performance of the heart (heart rate × stroke volume).
Cardiorespiratory System - ansA system of the body composed of the heart, blood, blood vessels, lungs, and
airways.
Cardiovascular System - ansA system of the body, also known as the circulatory system, that transports blood
to tissues of the body.
Carotid Artery - ansSupplies blood to the brain via the neck.
Catabolic - ansMetabolic process that breaks down molecules into smaller units used for energy.
Catecholamines - ansHormones produced by the adrenal glands that are part of the stress response known as
the fight-or-flight response.
Absorption - ansThe process of nutrients being absorbed into the body during the digestive process.
Adrenal Glands - ansA gland, located just above the kidneys, responsible for the secretion of catecholamines
and cortisol.
Anabolic - ansMetabolic process that synthesizes smaller molecules into larger units used for building and
repairing tissues.
Angiogenesis - ansThe formation of new capillaries from existing blood vessels.
Arteries - ansVessels that transport blood away from the heart.
Arterioles - ansSmall arteries that eventually divide into capillaries.
Atrioventricular Node - ansLocated between the atria and ventricles, this node delays the impulse from the
sinoatrial node before allowing it to pass to the ventricles.
Atrium (Atria) - ansSuperior chamber(s) of the heart that gathers blood returning to the heart.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - ansThe amount of energy required to maintain the body at rest.
Blood - ansFluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins; it carries nutrients and oxygen to all
parts of the body and also transports waste products from the body to other compartments or organs for
either processing (e.g., liver) or excretion (e.g., kidney).
Blood Pressure (BP) - ansThe outward pressure exerted by the blood on the vessel walls; reported as systolic/
diastolic.
, Blood Vessels - ansNetwork of hollow tubes that circulates blood throughout the body.
Bradycardia - ansWhen the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute.
Bradypnea - ansRespiratory rate that is too slow; fewer than 8 breaths per minute.
Calcitonin - ansThyroid hormone that helps the body use calcium properly to aid with maintaining bone mineral
density.
Capillaries - ansThe smallest blood vessels and the site of exchange of elements between the blood and the
tissues.
Cardiac Muscle - ansMuscle of the heart.
Cardiac Output (Q) - ansThe overall performance of the heart (heart rate × stroke volume).
Cardiorespiratory System - ansA system of the body composed of the heart, blood, blood vessels, lungs, and
airways.
Cardiovascular System - ansA system of the body, also known as the circulatory system, that transports blood
to tissues of the body.
Carotid Artery - ansSupplies blood to the brain via the neck.
Catabolic - ansMetabolic process that breaks down molecules into smaller units used for energy.
Catecholamines - ansHormones produced by the adrenal glands that are part of the stress response known as
the fight-or-flight response.
