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Figure 10 shows the estimated blood flow through some parts of the body when a person is at rest and during exercise - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
Figure 10 shows the estimated blood flow through some parts of the body when a person is at rest and during exercise. | part of the body | estimate... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 10 shows the estimated blood flow through some parts of the body when a person is at rest and during exercise - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
(a) Compare the rate of blood flow through the body when this person is at rest and during exercise.
Answer
The blood flow to the brain remains almost unchanged, decreasing only slightly from 750 cm³/min to 748 cm³/min during exercise. In contrast, the blood flow to the heart muscle shows a significant increase from 350 cm³/min at rest to 1150 cm³/min during exercise. The most notable change is observed in the blood flow to other muscles, which escalates dramatically from 1200 cm³/min at rest to 14500 cm³/min during exercise. However, the blood flow through the digestive system decreases significantly from 2500 cm³/min at rest to 1200 cm³/min during exercise.
Step 2
(b) Explain why there is a change in the rate of blood flow through the digestive system during exercise.
Answer
During exercise, the body prioritizes blood flow to muscles that are actively engaging in physical activity. Consequently, there's a reduced blood flow to the digestive system, which allows for increased blood supply to the muscles, facilitating greater respiration and removal of carbon dioxide. This redirection is crucial for energy production and athletic performance.