HMS, BM EQ-Bank 883

A swimmer completes the final 50 metres of a 200-metre freestyle race at maximum effort.

Outline how the respiratory and circulatory systems interact to support the muscular system during this intense finish. (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Oxygen delivery:

Breathing rate maximises to enhance oxygen uptake through rapid ventilation.
Heart rate peaks at near-maximum to pump oxygenated blood.
Muscle blood vessels dilate while non-essential vessels constrict.

Waste management:

Muscles produce high levels of lactic acid during anaerobic effort.
Circulatory system rapidly transports lactate away from muscles.
Increased ventilation helps buffer rising blood acidity.

System coordination:

All three systems work at maximum capacity.
Priority shifts entirely to supporting muscle function.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Oxygen delivery:

Breathing rate maximises to enhance oxygen uptake through rapid ventilation.
Heart rate peaks at near-maximum to pump oxygenated blood.
Muscle blood vessels dilate while non-essential vessels constrict.

Waste management:

Muscles produce high levels of lactic acid during anaerobic effort.
Circulatory system rapidly transports lactate away from muscles.
Increased ventilation helps buffer rising blood acidity.

System coordination:

All three systems work at maximum capacity.
Priority shifts entirely to supporting muscle function.