A competitive swimmer has just consumed a pre-race meal two hours before an important race.
Describe how the digestive and endocrine systems work with the nervous and muscular systems to prepare the body for this high-intensity performance. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
Meal digestion (first hour):
- Stomach and intestines break down carbohydrates into glucose
- Proteins digest into amino acids for muscle support
- Fats are processed slowly for sustained energy
Nutrient absorption and storage:
- Blood glucose levels rise as nutrients enter bloodstream
- Insulin release facilitates glucose uptake into muscles
- Muscle glycogen stores increase in preparation
- Amino acids circulate for muscle repair needs
Pre-race nervous activation (approaching race):
- Nervous system reduces digestive activity
- Blood flow shifts from stomach to muscles
- Alertness and focus increase
- Stress hormones begin releasing
Hormonal preparation:
- Adrenaline elevates heart rate and breathing
- Cortisol mobilises additional energy stores
- Blood glucose rises for immediate use
- Muscles become more sensitive to nerve signals
System coordination features:
- Digestive system provides fuel while nervous system times its use
- Hormones link all systems together
- Muscles receive nutrients through blood while preparing for action
- All four systems synchronise for optimal race readiness
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Meal digestion (first hour):
- Stomach and intestines break down carbohydrates into glucose
- Proteins digest into amino acids for muscle support
- Fats are processed slowly for sustained energy
Nutrient absorption and storage:
- Blood glucose levels rise as nutrients enter bloodstream
- Insulin release facilitates glucose uptake into muscles
- Muscle glycogen stores increase in preparation
- Amino acids circulate for muscle repair needs
Pre-race nervous activation (approaching race):
- Nervous system reduces digestive activity
- Blood flow shifts from stomach to muscles
- Alertness and focus increase
- Stress hormones begin releasing
Hormonal preparation:
- Adrenaline elevates heart rate and breathing
- Cortisol mobilises additional energy stores
- Blood glucose rises for immediate use
- Muscles become more sensitive to nerve signals
System coordination features:
- Digestive system provides fuel while nervous system times its use
- Hormones link all systems together
- Muscles receive nutrients through blood while preparing for action
- All four systems synchronise for optimal race readiness