The volume of blood that the heart pumps with every beat is known as the stroke volume - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 4
The volume of blood that the heart pumps with every beat is known as the stroke volume. Stroke volume can be used to indicate fitness level.
The table gives informa... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The volume of blood that the heart pumps with every beat is known as the stroke volume - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the stroke volume of the athlete during exercise.
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Answer
To calculate the stroke volume during exercise, we use the cardiac output formula:
extCardiacOutput=extStrokeVolumeimesextHeartRate
Rearranging the formula to find stroke volume gives:
extStrokeVolume=extHeartRateextCardiacOutput
Substituting the values from the table:
extStrokeVolume=18230.4=0.167 dm3
Step 2
Explain why it is important that the cardiac output of the athlete increases during exercise.
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Answer
During exercise, the athlete's muscles require increased energy to sustain activity. The increase in cardiac output ensures that more oxygen and glucose are delivered to the muscles for aerobic respiration. This process facilitates faster energy production, meets the heightened energy demand, and enhances performance. Additionally, the increased blood flow helps in the removal of metabolic waste products like carbon dioxide, maintaining optimal conditions for muscle function.
Step 3
Describe how the circulatory system transports substances around the body.
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Answer
The circulatory system consists of a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries, such as the aorta, transport oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body. Veins, like the vena cava, carry deoxygenated blood back toward the heart. Capillaries play a crucial role in exchanging materials between blood and tissues; they allow for the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. Substances are carried in the plasma, and oxygen specifically is carried by red blood cells, effectively delivering essential resources to cells throughout the body.