What is the term for the ability of muscles to sustain prolonged exertion?

Muscular endurance is defined as the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to perform repeated contractions over a sustained period without becoming fatigued. This characteristic is essential for activities that require prolonged efforts, such as running, cycling, or swimming. Muscular endurance allows an individual to maintain strength and efficiency through extended periods of activity, which is crucial for both athletic performance and everyday tasks.

In contrast, muscle strength refers to the maximum amount of force a muscle can produce in a single effort, while muscle power combines speed and strength to perform high-intensity tasks for short durations. Cardiovascular fitness measures the efficiency of the heart, lungs, and muscles in delivering oxygen during sustained physical activity, but it does not specifically refer to how long a muscle can sustain exertion. Therefore, muscular endurance is the most accurate term for the ability to sustain prolonged exertion.