smc-5524-15-Structure and function

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 913

Analyse how the structure and function of the digestive and endocrine systems affect energy production for an athlete during both anaerobic sprint training and an endurance event. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Overview Statement:

The digestive and endocrine systems work together to provide energy for both sprint training and endurance events.
Key relationships involve hormone release, nutrient absorption, and blood flow changes that adapt to different exercise demands.

Component Relationship 1:

During sprint training, the endocrine system rapidly releases adrenaline and glucagon.
Adrenaline increases heart rate for quick oxygen delivery while glucagon mobilises stored glucose from the liver.
Blood flow diverts away from digestive organs to working muscles.
The pattern shows immediate energy provision for short, intense efforts.
Sprint athletes rely on pre-stored energy because digestion stops during high-intensity work.
Therefore, quick hormone responses prove essential for explosive movements.

Component Relationship 2:

Endurance events require continuous nutrient processing by the digestive system.
The small intestine’s long length and villi enable maximum nutrient absorption during exercise.
Cortisol helps the liver produce glucose throughout long activities.
This interaction allows steady energy supply over extended periods.
Athletes can absorb nutrients while exercising at moderate intensity.
Consequently, digestive function remains partially active during endurance events.

Implications and Synthesis:

Both systems demonstrate flexible responses based on exercise type.
Sprint training depends on stored energy and rapid hormone action.
Endurance events utilise ongoing digestion and sustained hormone release.
The significance is that understanding these differences helps athletes fuel appropriately for their sport.

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Sample Answer

Overview Statement:

The digestive and endocrine systems work together to provide energy for both sprint training and endurance events.
Key relationships involve hormone release, nutrient absorption, and blood flow changes that adapt to different exercise demands.

Component Relationship 1:

During sprint training, the endocrine system rapidly releases adrenaline and glucagon.
Adrenaline increases heart rate for quick oxygen delivery while glucagon mobilises stored glucose from the liver.
Blood flow diverts away from digestive organs to working muscles.
The pattern shows immediate energy provision for short, intense efforts.
Sprint athletes rely on pre-stored energy because digestion stops during high-intensity work.
Therefore, quick hormone responses prove essential for explosive movements.

Component Relationship 2:

Endurance events require continuous nutrient processing by the digestive system.
The small intestine’s long length and villi enable maximum nutrient absorption during exercise.
Cortisol helps the liver produce glucose throughout long activities.
This interaction allows steady energy supply over extended periods.
Athletes can absorb nutrients while exercising at moderate intensity.
Consequently, digestive function remains partially active during endurance events.

Implications and Synthesis:

Both systems demonstrate flexible responses based on exercise type.
Sprint training depends on stored energy and rapid hormone action.
Endurance events utilise ongoing digestion and sustained hormone release.
The significance is that understanding these differences helps athletes fuel appropriately for their sport.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 912

Explain how the hormones produced by the adrenal glands influence movement efficiency. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

The adrenal glands produce adrenaline during physical activity or stress.
This hormone increases heart rate and blood pressure to deliver more oxygen to muscles.
As a result, athletes experience improved reaction times and explosive power within seconds.
Therefore, adrenaline directly enhances movement capacity.
The adrenal glands also release cortisol during exercise.
Cortisol increases blood glucose by breaking down stored nutrients for energy.
Consequently, muscles receive immediate fuel for sustained movement during training or competition.
This demonstrates how cortisol supports movement by ensuring energy availability.
Both hormones work together but can conflict during extended exercise.
While they support initial performance, excessive cortisol breaks down muscle protein.
Long training sessions with high stress can reduce movement efficiency through muscle damage.
The significance is that balanced hormone levels prove crucial.
Timing and amount of these hormones affects overall movement quality.
Optimal levels enhance performance, but excess or deficiency impairs efficiency.
Well-trained athletes show better hormone regulation, maintaining performance longer.
Evidence shows that proper adrenal function proves essential for sustained movement efficiency.

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Sample Answer

The adrenal glands produce adrenaline during physical activity or stress.
This hormone increases heart rate and blood pressure to deliver more oxygen to muscles.
As a result, athletes experience improved reaction times and explosive power within seconds.
Therefore, adrenaline directly enhances movement capacity.
The adrenal glands also release cortisol during exercise.
Cortisol increases blood glucose by breaking down stored nutrients for energy.
Consequently, muscles receive immediate fuel for sustained movement during training or competition.
This demonstrates how cortisol supports movement by ensuring energy availability.
Both hormones work together but can conflict during extended exercise.
While they support initial performance, excessive cortisol breaks down muscle protein.
Long training sessions with high stress can reduce movement efficiency through muscle damage.
The significance is that balanced hormone levels prove crucial.
Timing and amount of these hormones affects overall movement quality.
Optimal levels enhance performance, but excess or deficiency impairs efficiency.
Well-trained athletes show better hormone regulation, maintaining performance longer.
Evidence shows that proper adrenal function proves essential for sustained movement efficiency.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 911

Describe the structure and function of the small intestine in relation to absorption of nutrients for energy during movement. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Structure: The small intestine is a narrow tube about 6-7 metres long.
It consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum working together to absorb nutrients.
Surface area features: The inner surface has tiny finger-like projections called villi.
These greatly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Each villus has even smaller projections that help capture nutrients.
Carbohydrate absorption: The digestive system breaks carbohydrates into simple sugars in the small intestine.
These sugars pass through the intestinal wall into blood vessels.
The absorbed glucose travels to muscles, providing the main energy source for movement during exercise.
Protein absorption: Proteins break down into amino acids.
These absorb through the intestinal walls for muscle repair after exercise.
Fat absorption: Fats break down into smaller molecules that enter special vessels before reaching the bloodstream.
During long exercise sessions, these absorbed fats provide backup energy when carbohydrate stores run low.
Overall function: The small intestine’s structure perfectly supports its role in fuelling movement.
Without proper absorption here, muscles cannot get the energy they need.

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Sample Answer

Structure: The small intestine is a narrow tube about 6-7 metres long.
It consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum working together to absorb nutrients.
Surface area features: The inner surface has tiny finger-like projections called villi.
These greatly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Each villus has even smaller projections that help capture nutrients.
Carbohydrate absorption: The digestive system breaks carbohydrates into simple sugars in the small intestine.
These sugars pass through the intestinal wall into blood vessels.
The absorbed glucose travels to muscles, providing the main energy source for movement during exercise.
Protein absorption: Proteins break down into amino acids.
These absorb through the intestinal walls for muscle repair after exercise.
Fat absorption: Fats break down into smaller molecules that enter special vessels before reaching the bloodstream.
During long exercise sessions, these absorbed fats provide backup energy when carbohydrate stores run low.
Overall function: The small intestine’s structure perfectly supports its role in fuelling movement.
Without proper absorption here, muscles cannot get the energy they need.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 910

Explain the interrelationship between the digestive and endocrine systems in converting food into energy for movement. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients through mechanical and chemical processes, while the endocrine system releases hormones that regulate digestive functions. This coordination enables efficient nutrient processing for energy production.
Hormones from endocrine glands control digestive enzymes secreted by accessory organs (pancreas, liver). As a result, food breaks down into absorbable nutrients that can enter the bloodstreams.
The pancreas functions as both a digestive organ and an endocrine gland. Therefore, it releases digestive enzymes while also secreting insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
During movement, the endocrine system suppresses insulin and increases glucagon secretion. Consequently, working muscles receive adequate glucose for energy production by mobilising stored glycogen.

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Sample Answer

The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients through mechanical and chemical processes, while the endocrine system releases hormones that regulate digestive functions. This coordination enables efficient nutrient processing for energy production.
Hormones from endocrine glands control digestive enzymes secreted by accessory organs (pancreas, liver). As a result, food breaks down into absorbable nutrients that can enter the bloodstreams.
The pancreas functions as both a digestive organ and an endocrine gland. Therefore, it releases digestive enzymes while also secreting insulin and glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels.
During movement, the endocrine system suppresses insulin and increases glucagon secretion. Consequently, working muscles receive adequate glucose for energy production by mobilising stored glycogen.

A marathon runner consumes a carbohydrate-rich meal 2 hours before a race. After digestion, which hormone from the endocrine system would most likely be suppressed during the runner's activity to ensure efficient energy supply to muscles?

Insulin
Glucagon
Adrenaline
Cortisol

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\(A\)

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A is correct: Insulin is suppressed during exercise to prevent glucose storage and maintain blood glucose availability.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Glucagon increases during exercise to raise blood glucose levels.
C is incorrect: Adrenaline increases to enhance cardiac function and muscle blood flow.
D is incorrect: Cortisol increases to aid metabolism of nutrients for energy.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 79

Evaluate how vitamin D status affects the interrelationship between endocrine function and calcium absorption during resistance training. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Evaluation Statement:

Vitamin D status significantly affects the endocrine-calcium relationship during resistance training.
This evaluation examines hormonal effects and absorption efficiency.

Hormonal Effects:

Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the endocrine system controlling calcium regulation.
It triggers release of parathyroid hormone when blood calcium is low.
This hormone increases calcium release from bones for muscle contraction.
During resistance training, adequate vitamin D ensures proper hormone signalling.
Evidence shows athletes with optimal vitamin D have 25% better muscle strength.
This strongly meets the criterion of supporting hormonal function for performance.

Absorption Efficiency:

The digestive system requires vitamin D to absorb calcium from food.
Vitamin D enables special transport proteins in the intestine to capture calcium.
Without adequate vitamin D, only 10-15% of dietary calcium absorbs.
With sufficient vitamin D, absorption increases to 30-40%.
Resistance training increases calcium needs for bone strengthening and muscle function.
This partially fulfils efficiency needs as absorption still has limits.

Final Evaluation:

Vitamin D status proves highly effective in connecting endocrine and digestive functions.
Adequate levels optimise both hormone signalling and calcium absorption essential for resistance training.
However, even optimal vitamin D cannot overcome very low dietary calcium intake.
Athletes must maintain both sufficient vitamin D and calcium consumption for maximum training benefits.

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Sample Answer

Evaluation Statement:

Vitamin D status significantly affects the endocrine-calcium relationship during resistance training.
This evaluation examines hormonal effects and absorption efficiency.

Hormonal Effects:

Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the endocrine system controlling calcium regulation.
It triggers release of parathyroid hormone when blood calcium is low.
This hormone increases calcium release from bones for muscle contraction.
During resistance training, adequate vitamin D ensures proper hormone signalling.
Evidence shows athletes with optimal vitamin D have 25% better muscle strength.
This strongly meets the criterion of supporting hormonal function for performance.

Absorption Efficiency:

The digestive system requires vitamin D to absorb calcium from food.
Vitamin D enables special transport proteins in the intestine to capture calcium.
Without adequate vitamin D, only 10-15% of dietary calcium absorbs.
With sufficient vitamin D, absorption increases to 30-40%.
Resistance training increases calcium needs for bone strengthening and muscle function.
This partially fulfils efficiency needs as absorption still has limits.

Final Evaluation:

Vitamin D status proves highly effective in connecting endocrine and digestive functions.
Adequate levels optimise both hormone signalling and calcium absorption essential for resistance training.
However, even optimal vitamin D cannot overcome very low dietary calcium intake.
Athletes must maintain both sufficient vitamin D and calcium consumption for maximum training benefits.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 78

Discuss the relationship between dehydration, digestive function and hormonal balance during a 400 m sprint race. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Structure solution using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Sample Answer

Benefits of system responses:

[P] On one hand, stress hormones optimise performance by redirecting blood flow away from digestion.
[E] This ensures maximum oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles during the sprint.
[Ev] Adrenaline and cortisol shut down digestive processes, prioritising muscle function for explosive power.
[L] This demonstrates how hormonal changes support sprint performance through resource allocation.
[P] A key advantage is ADH (antidiuretic hormone) release helps preserve fluid balance during intense effort.
[E] This hormone reduces urine production to maintain blood volume despite sweating.
[Ev] Even in a short 400m race, ADH prevents excessive fluid loss that could impair performance.
[L] This shows how hormonal adaptations protect against dehydration’s negative effects.

Challenges of system responses:

[P] Turning to the opposing view, suppressed digestive function can cause gastrointestinal distress during sprinting.
[E] Reduced blood flow and halted digestion may trigger nausea or cramping.
[Ev] Athletes often experience “butterflies” or stomach discomfort that can affect focus and technique.
[L] This reveals how digestive shutdown, while necessary, creates performance challenges.
[P] From another angle, rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss disrupt hormonal signalling pathways.
[E] This interference affects muscle contraction efficiency and energy metabolism.
[Ev] Even 2% dehydration can impair sprint times through compromised neuromuscular function.
[L] Nevertheless, this demonstrates the delicate balance required between fluid status and hormonal control.

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Sample Answer

Benefits of system responses:

[P] On one hand, stress hormones optimise performance by redirecting blood flow away from digestion.
[E] This ensures maximum oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles during the sprint.
[Ev] Adrenaline and cortisol shut down digestive processes, prioritising muscle function for explosive power.
[L] This demonstrates how hormonal changes support sprint performance through resource allocation.
[P] A key advantage is ADH (antidiuretic hormone) release helps preserve fluid balance during intense effort.
[E] This hormone reduces urine production to maintain blood volume despite sweating.
[Ev] Even in a short 400m race, ADH prevents excessive fluid loss that could impair performance.
[L] This shows how hormonal adaptations protect against dehydration’s negative effects.

Challenges of system responses:

[P] Turning to the opposing view, suppressed digestive function can cause gastrointestinal distress during sprinting.
[E] Reduced blood flow and halted digestion may trigger nausea or cramping.
[Ev] Athletes often experience “butterflies” or stomach discomfort that can affect focus and technique.
[L] This reveals how digestive shutdown, while necessary, creates performance challenges.
[P] From another angle, rapid dehydration and electrolyte loss disrupt hormonal signalling pathways.
[E] This interference affects muscle contraction efficiency and energy metabolism.
[Ev] Even 2% dehydration can impair sprint times through compromised neuromuscular function.
[L] Nevertheless, this demonstrates the delicate balance required between fluid status and hormonal control.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 77

Analyse how iron deficiency could affect both the endocrine and digestive systems during endurance training. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Iron deficiency affects thyroid hormone production in the endocrine system, which directly influences metabolic rate and energy production during endurance activities.
Athletes with low iron show decreased T3 and T4 levels, slowing cellular metabolism.
The relationship demonstrates how iron impacts hormonal control of energy systems essential for endurance performance.
The digestive system’s enzyme production depends on adequate iron levels.
Iron deficiency reduces the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food.
Iron-deficient athletes often experience poor protein digestion and vitamin absorption despite adequate intake.
These patterns show how iron deficiency creates a cycle of poor nutrient availability.
Iron deficiency impairs the endocrine system’s stress response during training.
The relationship between iron and cortisol production influences adaptation to exercise stress.
Insufficient iron leads to abnormal cortisol patterns, hindering recovery between sessions.
Such connections reveal how micronutrient status affects hormonal adaptation pathways.
Both systems interact to compound the effects on endurance performance.
Poor digestion limits iron absorption while hormonal imbalances increase iron requirements.
A negative feedback loop develops where deficiency worsens despite dietary interventions.
The interrelationship indicates why iron deficiency severely impacts endurance athletes through multiple pathways.
Therefore, addressing iron status requires supporting both digestive and endocrine function simultaneously.

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Sample Answer

Iron deficiency affects thyroid hormone production in the endocrine system, which directly influences metabolic rate and energy production during endurance activities.
Athletes with low iron show decreased T3 and T4 levels, slowing cellular metabolism.
The relationship demonstrates how iron impacts hormonal control of energy systems essential for endurance performance.
The digestive system’s enzyme production depends on adequate iron levels.
Iron deficiency reduces the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food.
Iron-deficient athletes often experience poor protein digestion and vitamin absorption despite adequate intake.
These patterns show how iron deficiency creates a cycle of poor nutrient availability.
Iron deficiency impairs the endocrine system’s stress response during training.
The relationship between iron and cortisol production influences adaptation to exercise stress.
Insufficient iron leads to abnormal cortisol patterns, hindering recovery between sessions.
Such connections reveal how micronutrient status affects hormonal adaptation pathways.
Both systems interact to compound the effects on endurance performance.
Poor digestion limits iron absorption while hormonal imbalances increase iron requirements.
A negative feedback loop develops where deficiency worsens despite dietary interventions.
The interrelationship indicates why iron deficiency severely impacts endurance athletes through multiple pathways.
Therefore, addressing iron status requires supporting both digestive and endocrine function simultaneously.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 76

Explain how growth hormone and cortisol interact during a high-intensity interval training session. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

During HIIT, the pituitary gland releases growth hormone while the adrenal glands secrete cortisol.
This dual hormone release creates competing effects on protein metabolism in muscle tissue.
Growth hormone stimulates muscle protein synthesis for repair and growth, while cortisol breaks down muscle protein for energy.
Therefore, the endocrine system balances anabolic and catabolic processes during intense exercise.
Both hormones work together to maintain energy availability during high-intensity intervals.
Growth hormone promotes fat breakdown for fuel while cortisol increases glucose production through gluconeogenesis.
As a result, muscles receive both fatty acids and glucose to meet extreme energy demands.
The interaction demonstrates how multiple hormones coordinate to support intense movement.
Timing and balance of these hormones affects training outcomes.
Excessive cortisol can override growth hormone’s benefits if stress is prolonged.
Short HIIT sessions optimise growth hormone release while minimising excessive cortisol elevation.
Consequently, HIIT duration and recovery prove critical for positive adaptations.

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Sample Answer

During HIIT, the pituitary gland releases growth hormone while the adrenal glands secrete cortisol.
This dual hormone release creates competing effects on protein metabolism in muscle tissue.
Growth hormone stimulates muscle protein synthesis for repair and growth, while cortisol breaks down muscle protein for energy.
Therefore, the endocrine system balances anabolic and catabolic processes during intense exercise.
Both hormones work together to maintain energy availability during high-intensity intervals.
Growth hormone promotes fat breakdown for fuel while cortisol increases glucose production through gluconeogenesis.
As a result, muscles receive both fatty acids and glucose to meet extreme energy demands.
The interaction demonstrates how multiple hormones coordinate to support intense movement.
Timing and balance of these hormones affects training outcomes.
Excessive cortisol can override growth hormone’s benefits if stress is prolonged.
Short HIIT sessions optimise growth hormone release while minimising excessive cortisol elevation.
Consequently, HIIT duration and recovery prove critical for positive adaptations.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 74 MC

A badminton player in a five-set match shows declining performance. Which combination of factors most likely explains this?

Increased insulin, reduced glucose uptake
Elevated cortisol, impaired digestion
Enhanced adrenaline, improved absorption
Decreased glucagon, enhanced nutrient storage

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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

B is correct: Prolonged stress hormones (cortisol) impair digestive function and energy availability.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Insulin decreases during exercise to maintain glucose availability.
C is incorrect: Absorption decreases, not improves, during intense exercise.
D is incorrect: Glucagon increases during exercise; nutrient storage doesn’t occur during activity.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 72 MC

During a two-hour mountain bike ride, which process would support sustained energy release?

Enhanced glucagon production
Decreased liver glycogen breakdown
Increased insulin secretion
Reduced cortisol release

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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct: Glucagon promotes glycogen breakdown to maintain blood glucose during prolonged exercise.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Glycogen breakdown must increase, not decrease, for energy supply.
C is incorrect: Insulin decreases during exercise to allow glucose mobilisation.
D is incorrect: Cortisol increases during prolonged exercise to support energy metabolism.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 71 MC

A triathlete experiences stomach cramps in the final leg of their race. This is most likely due to:

Excess enzyme production
Reduced digestive activity
Increased blood flow to the gut
Enhanced nutrient absorption

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\(B\)

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B is correct. Blood diverts from digestive system to muscles during exercise, reducing digestive function.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Enzyme production decreases, not increases, during intense exercise.
C is incorrect: Blood flow diverts away from gut to muscles during exercise.
D is incorrect: Absorption decreases due to reduced blood flow to digestive organs.