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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 889 MC

During a half marathon, a runner consumes an energy gel. Which correctly identifies how the digestive and endocrine systems interact during this scenario?

  1. The digestive system absorbs glucose from the gel while insulin stays low, keeping glucose available for working muscles
  2. The digestive system absorbs glucose from the gel while insulin rises sharply to store it as glycogen
  3. The digestive system stores the gel's nutrients while cortisol levels increase to mobilise stored energy
  4. The digestive system converts the gel into glycogen while adrenaline decreases to conserve energy
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: During exercise, adrenaline keeps insulin suppressed, so absorbed glucose stays in the blood. Contracting muscles can take up this glucose largely without insulin.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect: Insulin stays suppressed during exercise, and storing glucose would work against fuelling the race.
  • C is incorrect: The digestive system absorbs nutrients rather than storing them.
  • D is incorrect: The digestive system doesn’t make glycogen, and adrenaline increases during exercise.
  • A is correct: The digestive system breaks down gel into glucose while insulin increases to help cells absorb it.