The Structure & Functions of the Cardio-respiratory System (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE)): Exam Questions

Breathing enables gaseous exchange to occur at the alveoli.

Outline how two features of the alveoli assist in gaseous exchange

Figure 2 shows a diagram of the heart.

Using Figure 2, identify the names of the chambers of the heart labelled X and Y.

Chris is an experienced 25-year-old 800m runner.

Table 1 shows Chris’s heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) at the start and during an 800m race.

Chris’s breathing rate will change during the race.

Define tidal volume.

Explain the changes that occur to Chris’s tidal volume during the 800m race.

Describe the pathway of blood from when it enters the heart on the right side box to where it leaves the heart on the left side.

Explain how the function of arteries box and veins in the cardiovascular system allows an athlete to complete a marathon.

A netball player sprints to intercept a pass. As exercise intensity increases, her body redirects blood away from certain organs towards the working muscles.

State the term used to describe this redirection of blood flow during exercise.

Explain how the blood vessels redirect blood flow towards the working muscles during high intensity exercise

Identify one organ system that receives a reduced blood supply during the sprint, and justify why this redirection of blood is necessary for the netball player.

Table 1 shows the heart rate of a 1500m runner in the build-up to a race and during the first two laps.

Using the data in Table 1, name and explain the physiological response occurring between 15 minutes and 1 minute before the start of the race.

Identify the type of exercise intensity the runner is working at during Laps 1 and 2, where their heart rate remains constant at 160 bpm.

During the race, the runner's vascular shunt mechanism is active.

Explain how vasodilation and vasoconstriction work together to direct blood flow for the runner.

Figure 3 shows a spirometer trace for an athlete at rest and then during exercise.

Identify the lung volume labelled A in Figure 3.

Using Figure 3, describe two changes to the breathing pattern during exercise compared to rest.

Justify why both of these changes occur during exercise

Liam is a 400m freestyle swimmer. As he approaches the final 50m of his race, his heart rate is at its maximum. His working muscles require a continuous, rapid supply of oxygenated blood, meaning his cardiac cycle must be highly efficient.

State the specific term used to describe the relaxation and filling phase of Liam's cardiac cycle.

Oxygenated blood returns from Liam's lungs to his heart. Outline the exact pathway this blood takes through the specific vessels and chambers of the heart before it is transported to his working muscles.

During the ejection phase, the valves in Liam's heart play a crucial role. Explain the mechanics of these valves and justify why their function is essential for Liam to maintain his pace in the final 50m.

A marathon runner relies on efficient gaseous exchange at the alveoli to perform effectively.

Identify two features of the alveoli. Explain how each feature assists the runner in gaseous exchange.

A trained cyclist and an untrained person of the same age both have a resting cardiac output of 5600 ml/minute. The trained cyclist has a resting heart rate of 50 bpm, whereas the untrained person has a resting heart rate of 70 bpm.

Calculate the resting stroke volume for both the trained cyclist and the untrained person. Show your working.

Explain why the trained cyclist has a lower resting heart rate than the untrained person despite having the same cardiac output.

The untrained person is diagnosed with a condition where the valves in their heart do not close properly.

Explain the normal role of these valves, and explain how this condition will negatively affect their cardiac output and ability to exercise.

During a 10km road race a runner's cardiorespiratory system must respond continuously to the demands of sustained exercise.

Analyse how the heart, the blood vessels and the alveoli work together as a system to ensure the working muscles receive a continuous oxygen supply and waste products are removed efficiently throughout the race.

David is a long-distance runner preparing for a major race.

David’s heart rate begins to increase while he is standing on the starting line before the race has even begun.

Identify the specific term used to describe this, and name the hormone responsible.

During the race, blood is transported back to David's heart.

Name the type of blood vessel that transports this blood back to the heart, and explain the role of the valves inside it.

Once the race begins, David's cardiorespiratory system must adapt to the physical demands.

Analyse how David's mechanics of breathing will change to increase his oxygen intake, and evaluate how the cardiovascular system will use vasodilation and vasoconstriction to ensure this oxygen reaches his working muscles.

Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart of a gymnast via the vena cava.

Analyse the pathway this blood takes through the heart and lungs to become oxygenated, and evaluate how the structure of the arteries and veins allows for the effective transport of blood during their routine