Muscles
Nervous System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
John Wooden’s Ladder of Success
100

This large muscle in the front of your upper arm is responsible for bending the elbow.

Biceps brachii?

100

This part of the nervous system controls voluntary muscle movement.

Somatic nervous system

100

This organ pumps blood throughout the body.

The heart

100

The main muscle responsible for breathing.

Diaphram

100

This block is the foundation of Wooden’s pyramid and refers to being consistently reliable, on time, and doing your part every day.

Industriousness

200

This muscle group on the back of the thigh helps in knee flexion and hip extension.

The hamstrings

200

This part of the brain controls balance and coordination.

The cerebellum 

200

These vessels carry blood away from the heart.

Arteries

200

These tiny air sacs in the lungs are where gas exchange occurs.

Alveoli 

200

Wooden believed that success is impossible without this quality, which means treating others with fairness and respect.

Loyalty

300

This muscle forms the calf and helps with plantar flexion.

Gastrocnemius

300

These cells transmit electrical signals in the nervous system.

Neurons

300

The upper chambers of the heart.

Atria

300

The tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Trachea

300

This block emphasizes keeping control of your emotions and remaining calm under pressure.

Self-control

400

This deep core muscle helps with spinal stability and posture.

Transverse abdominis

400

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Synapse

400

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Cardiac output

400

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Tidal volume

400

According to Wooden, this top-level block represents doing your absolute best and reaching your personal potential—not just winning.

Competitive greatness

500

This muscle assists in chewing and is the strongest by weight in the human body.

The massater

500

This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" activities.

Parasympathetic nervous system

500

This node initiates the electrical impulse that controls the heartbeat.

The sinoatrial (SA) node

500

This pigment in red blood cells binds to oxygen.

Hemoglobin

500

Wooden said this quality is essential in learning and growing; it’s the eagerness to improve and stay humble.

Intentness (or eagerness to learn)

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