What type of muscle fibers develop tension slowly and are more resistant to fatigue?

The type of muscle fibers that develop tension slowly and exhibit greater resistance to fatigue are known as slow twitch fibers, or type I fibers. These fibers are characterized by their ability to sustain prolonged activity due to their high oxidative capacity, which allows them to utilize oxygen efficiently for energy production through aerobic metabolism.

Slow twitch fibers contain a high number of mitochondria, ample myoglobin, and rich blood supply, enabling them to maintain endurance activities like long-distance running or cycling without tiring quickly. Their slower contraction speed is beneficial for activities that require stamina and endurance over power.

In contrast, fast twitch fibers, which can be divided into two categories (FG and FOG), are designed for rapid and powerful contractions but fatigue more quickly due to their reliance on anaerobic metabolism. Fast twitch glycolytic (FG) fibers generate force quickly but are more susceptible to fatigue, while fast twitch oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) fibers demonstrate intermediate characteristics. The term "antagonist" refers to muscles that oppose the action of another muscle, rather than a type of muscle fiber.