HMS, BM EQ-Bank 118

Sample Answer:

Overview Statement:

• A 5km run requires coordinated interactions between respiratory, circulatory, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems.
• Their relationships change from initial mobilisation through steady state to fatigue management.

Component Relationship 1 – Start Phase (0-5 minutes):

• Breathing rate increases rapidly causing more oxygen to enter the lungs.
• This enables the heart to pump oxygenated blood to working muscles.
• Adrenaline release triggers increased heart rate and vasodilation in leg muscles.
• These changes work together to transition from rest to running pace.
• Blood glucose provides immediate energy while the endocrine system mobilises stored fuel.

Component Relationship 2 – Middle Phase (5-20 minutes):

• Respiratory and circulatory systems establish steady-state function at elevated levels.
• This coordination maintains consistent oxygen delivery matching muscle demand.
• The nervous system settles into efficient motor patterns reducing energy waste.
• Muscles utilise oxygen aerobically which produces sustainable energy.
• The stability reveals how systems synchronise for prolonged effort.

Component Relationship 3 – End Phase (20-30 minutes):

• Muscle fatigue forces the nervous system to recruit additional motor units.
• This compensation allows running form maintenance despite tiredness.
• Breathing remains elevated to clear accumulating metabolic waste.
• The circulatory system works harder to remove lactate and deliver oxygen.
• These adjustments show how systems adapt to complete the distance.

Implications:

• The analysis demonstrates that successful running requires dynamic system coordination.
• Each phase demands different interaction patterns between the same systems.
• Therefore, endurance performance depends on systems adapting their relationships throughout exercise.