smc-5526-25-Digestive/endocrine

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 895

Explain how the digestive, endocrine and muscular systems work together to produce muscle growth during an 8-week strength training program. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Nutrient processing:

The digestive system breaks down dietary protein into amino acids.
These amino acids enter the bloodstream for transport to muscles.
As a result, building blocks for new muscle tissue become available.
Carbohydrates digest into glucose which provides energy for training sessions.

Hormonal control:

Weight training triggers the endocrine system to release growth hormone.
This hormone signals muscles to use amino acids for protein synthesis.
After meals, insulin release facilitates nutrient entry into muscle cells.
These hormonal actions enable muscles to repair and grow larger.

Muscle adaptation:

Training causes tiny tears in muscle fibres during each session.
This damage stimulates the need for repair using available amino acids.
Consequently, muscles rebuild stronger and larger over time.
The endocrine system controls this rebuilding through hormone release.

System coordination:

The interaction shows that muscle growth needs all three systems working together.
Digestive system provides materials while endocrine system controls their use.
Meanwhile, muscular system responds to training stress and hormonal signals.
Therefore, consistent nutrition and training over 8 weeks produces visible muscle growth.

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Sample Answer

Nutrient processing:

The digestive system breaks down dietary protein into amino acids.
These amino acids enter the bloodstream for transport to muscles.
As a result, building blocks for new muscle tissue become available.
Carbohydrates digest into glucose which provides energy for training sessions.

Hormonal control:

Weight training triggers the endocrine system to release growth hormone.
This hormone signals muscles to use amino acids for protein synthesis.
After meals, insulin release facilitates nutrient entry into muscle cells.
These hormonal actions enable muscles to repair and grow larger.

Muscle adaptation:

Training causes tiny tears in muscle fibres during each session.
This damage stimulates the need for repair using available amino acids.
Consequently, muscles rebuild stronger and larger over time.
The endocrine system controls this rebuilding through hormone release.

System coordination:

The interaction shows that muscle growth needs all three systems working together.
Digestive system provides materials while endocrine system controls their use.
Meanwhile, muscular system responds to training stress and hormonal signals.
Therefore, consistent nutrition and training over 8 weeks produces visible muscle growth.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 894

A cyclist ingests a sports drink containing carbohydrates and electrolytes during hour three of a four-hour training ride.

Explain how the digestive and endocrine systems interact with the circulatory and respiratory systems to maintain performance during this prolonged exercise. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Digestive-Circulatory Interaction:

Sports drink carbohydrates absorb rapidly in the small intestine.
As a result, blood glucose levels rise to support continued muscle function.
This enables the circulatory system to deliver fuel while electrolytes maintain fluid balance.

Endocrine-Circulatory Interaction:

Insulin release regulates glucose uptake from blood into muscle cells.
This hormonal control ensures steady energy delivery via circulation.
When blood glucose drops, glucagon triggers liver glucose release into bloodstream.

Circulatory-Respiratory Interaction:

Heart rate and breathing rate increase together during intense cycling.
Consequently, oxygen-rich blood reaches working muscles efficiently.
Vasodilation in muscles combined with increased ventilation maximises oxygen delivery.

All Systems Working Together:

Digestive absorption provides fuel while endocrine hormones regulate its use.
These processes enable circulatory and respiratory systems to maintain energy production.
Therefore, all four systems coordinate to sustain performance in the final hour.

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Sample Answer

Digestive-Circulatory Interaction:

Sports drink carbohydrates absorb rapidly in the small intestine.
As a result, blood glucose levels rise to support continued muscle function.
This enables the circulatory system to deliver fuel while electrolytes maintain fluid balance.

Endocrine-Circulatory Interaction:

Insulin release regulates glucose uptake from blood into muscle cells.
This hormonal control ensures steady energy delivery via circulation.
When blood glucose drops, glucagon triggers liver glucose release into bloodstream.

Circulatory-Respiratory Interaction:

Heart rate and breathing rate increase together during intense cycling.
Consequently, oxygen-rich blood reaches working muscles efficiently.
Vasodilation in muscles combined with increased ventilation maximises oxygen delivery.

All Systems Working Together:

Digestive absorption provides fuel while endocrine hormones regulate its use.
These processes enable circulatory and respiratory systems to maintain energy production.
Therefore, all four systems coordinate to sustain performance in the final hour.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 893

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

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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

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 892

A rock climber has been scaling a difficult route for 30 minutes.

Outline how the digestive and endocrine systems interact to provide energy to the muscular system during this prolonged, intense activity. (3 marks)

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Sample Answer

Glucose provision:

Digestive system releases glucose from recent food intake.
Liver glycogen converts to glucose via glycogenolysis.
Blood glucose maintained for muscle use.

Hormonal regulation:

Glucagon triggers liver glycogen breakdown.
Adrenaline mobilises energy stores rapidly.
Cortisol releases fatty acids from adipose tissue.

Energy coordination:

Multiple fuel sources support prolonged effort.
Hormones prioritise energy for working muscles.
Systems preserve glycogen through fat utilisation.

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Sample Answer

Glucose provision:

Digestive system releases glucose from recent food intake.
Liver glycogen converts to glucose via glycogenolysis.
Blood glucose maintained for muscle use.

Hormonal regulation:

Glucagon triggers liver glycogen breakdown.
Adrenaline mobilises energy stores rapidly.
Cortisol releases fatty acids from adipose tissue.

Energy coordination:

Multiple fuel sources support prolonged effort.
Hormones prioritise energy for working muscles.
Systems preserve glycogen through fat utilisation.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 891 MC

A tennis player becomes dehydrated during a five-set match on a hot day. How do the digestive, endocrine, and circulatory systems interact in response to this physiological challenge?

The digestive system increases nutrient absorption, the endocrine system decreases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system redistributes blood to the skin
The digestive system reduces water absorption, the endocrine system increases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system reduces blood flow to working muscles
The digestive system slows peristalsis, the endocrine system increases cortisol production, and the circulatory system increases blood flow to the digestive tract
The digestive system reduces peristalsis, the endocrine system increases water-conserving hormones, and the circulatory system redirects blood flow to vital organs

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\(D\)

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D is correct: During dehydration, digestion slows to conserve water, hormones help retain water, and blood flow prioritises vital organs.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Water-conserving hormones increase (not decrease) during dehydration, and blood flow is redirected away from the skin to vital organs.
B is incorrect: The digestive system would attempt to maximise (not reduce) water absorption during dehydration.
C is incorrect: Blood flow to the digestive tract is reduced (not increased) during dehydration as the body prioritises vital organs.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 890 MC

A weightlifter prepares for a maximum effort deadlift. Which of the following best describes the interrelationship between the endocrine and muscular systems during this lift?

Growth hormone decreases to reduce muscle metabolism while the muscular system produces lactic acid
Insulin increases to facilitate glucose uptake while the muscular system relies on aerobic metabolism
Adrenaline increases to mobilise energy while the muscular system recruits high-threshold motor units
Melatonin decreases to enhance alertness while the muscular system reduces power output

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\(C\)

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C is correct: Adrenaline increases to mobilise energy while muscles recruit fast-twitch fibres for maximum force.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Growth hormone increases, not decreases, during intense exercise.
B is incorrect: Insulin decreases during maximal efforts, and muscles use anaerobic metabolism.
D is incorrect: Melatonin regulates sleep not exercise, and power output increases during maximal effort.

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?

The digestive system breaks down the gel into glucose while insulin levels increase to facilitate glucose uptake
The digestive system breaks down the gel into glucose while insulin levels decrease to facilitate glucose uptake
The digestive system stores the gel's nutrients while cortisol levels increase to mobilise stored energy
The digestive system converts the gel into glycogen while adrenaline decreases to conserve energy

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\(A\)

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A is correct: The digestive system breaks down gel into glucose while insulin increases to help cells absorb it.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Insulin increases, not decreases, after consuming carbohydrates.
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.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 885

A long-distance cyclist has been competing in a 100 kilometre race for 2.5 hours.

Explain how the digestive, endocrine, and circulatory systems interact to sustain energy supply to the muscular system during this prolonged activity. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Digestive system:

After 2.5 hours, glycogen stores are depleting and the body relies more on consumed nutrients.
As a result, glucose from race nutrition absorbs into the bloodstream to maintain energy levels.

Endocrine system:

Hormones regulate energy metabolism through insulin and glucagon balance.
When blood glucose drops, the pancreas reduces insulin secretion and increases glucagon.
This hormonal change triggers the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose.

Endocrine-Circulatory Interaction:

During prolonged cycling, cortisol and adrenaline are released into the bloodstream.
These hormones cause fatty acids to mobilise from fat stores as additional energy.
Consequently, muscles can spare limited glycogen stores.

Circulatory System Delivery:

Blood vessels transport nutrients (glucose, fatty acids) and oxygen to working muscles.
This continuous delivery enables sustained energy production throughout the race.
Blood flow increases to active muscles through vasodilation while non-essential areas receive less blood.

System Integration:

The interaction between these systems ensures optimal nutrient delivery to maintain performance.
The digestive system provides fuel while the endocrine system controls its release.
Meanwhile, the circulatory system delivers nutrients precisely where needed for sustained muscular work.

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Sample Answer

Digestive system:

After 2.5 hours, glycogen stores are depleting and the body relies more on consumed nutrients.
As a result, glucose from race nutrition absorbs into the bloodstream to maintain energy levels.

Endocrine system:

Hormones regulate energy metabolism through insulin and glucagon balance.
When blood glucose drops, the pancreas reduces insulin secretion and increases glucagon.
This hormonal change triggers the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose.

Endocrine-Circulatory Interaction:

During prolonged cycling, cortisol and adrenaline are released into the bloodstream.
These hormones cause fatty acids to mobilise from fat stores as additional energy.
Consequently, muscles can spare limited glycogen stores.

Circulatory System Delivery:

Blood vessels transport nutrients (glucose, fatty acids) and oxygen to working muscles.
This continuous delivery enables sustained energy production throughout the race.
Blood flow increases to active muscles through vasodilation while non-essential areas receive less blood.

System Integration:

The interaction between these systems ensures optimal nutrient delivery to maintain performance.
The digestive system provides fuel while the endocrine system controls its release.
Meanwhile, the circulatory system delivers nutrients precisely where needed for sustained muscular work.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 118

Analyse how body systems work together during the start, middle and end phases of a 5 km run. (8 marks)

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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.

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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.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 113

Describe how the digestive and circulatory systems work together to support a 90-minute soccer game. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Pre-game:

Digestive enzymes break down pre-game meal in stomach and small intestine.
Blood flow increases to digestive organs to enhance nutrient absorption.
Circulatory system transports glucose and nutrients to muscle glycogen stores.

Early Game:

As the game begins, blood flow shifts from digestive organs to muscles as stored energy is mobilised.
Digestive absorption slows while stomach empties.
Circulation delivers stored glycogen and oxygen to working muscles.
Heart rate elevates to support increased delivery demands.

Mid-Late Game:

Digestive system maintains steady blood glucose levels through continued absorption.
Circulatory system manages hydration through fluid distribution.
Both systems coordinate waste removal while sustaining energy supply.
Blood flow patterns optimise nutrient delivery to fatigued muscles.

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Sample Answer

Pre-game:

Digestive enzymes break down pre-game meal in stomach and small intestine.
Blood flow increases to digestive organs to enhance nutrient absorption.
Circulatory system transports glucose and nutrients to muscle glycogen stores.

Early Game:

As the game begins, blood flow shifts from digestive organs to muscles as stored energy is mobilised.
Digestive absorption slows while stomach empties.
Circulation delivers stored glycogen and oxygen to working muscles.
Heart rate elevates to support increased delivery demands.

Mid-Late Game:

Digestive system maintains steady blood glucose levels through continued absorption.
Circulatory system manages hydration through fluid distribution.
Both systems coordinate waste removal while sustaining energy supply.
Blood flow patterns optimise nutrient delivery to fatigued muscles.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 112

Analyse how THREE body systems work together to maintain balance during a gymnastics beam routine. (6 marks)

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Sample Answer – Nervous system, muscular system and skeletal system

Overview Statement:

Balance during beam routines requires nervous, muscular and skeletal systems working interdependently.
Their relationships create continuous adjustments maintaining equilibrium on the narrow apparatus.

Component Relationship 1 – Nervous to Muscular:

Inner ear organs and proprioceptors detect body position changes instantly.
These sensors directly cause muscles to contract for balance correction.
Vision works with body position sensors to show where the gymnast is in space.
The connection reveals how sensing movement enables quick muscle responses.
Such coordination shows why nerve signals and muscle actions must work together for balance.

Component Relationship 2 – Muscular to Skeletal:

Core muscles maintain constant isometric tension around the spine.
These contractions work through skeletal attachment points to stabilise posture.
Limb muscles interact with joint levers to create precise adjustments.
This connection shows how muscles use bones as mechanical advantages.
The relationship enables fine-tuned movements essential for beam performance.

Implications:

All three systems depend on continuous communication for successful balance.
Nerves sense position which causes muscles to move using bones as levers.
The interdependence means interruptions to any system affects balance ability.
Therefore, gymnastic training must develop all three systems equally.

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Sample Answer – Nervous system, muscular system and skeletal system

Overview Statement:

Balance during beam routines requires nervous, muscular and skeletal systems working interdependently.
Their relationships create continuous adjustments maintaining equilibrium on the narrow apparatus.

Component Relationship 1 – Nervous to Muscular:

Inner ear organs and proprioceptors detect body position changes instantly.
These sensors directly cause muscles to contract for balance correction.
Vision works with body position sensors to show where the gymnast is in space.
The connection reveals how sensing movement enables quick muscle responses.
Such coordination shows why nerve signals and muscle actions must work together for balance.

Component Relationship 2 – Muscular to Skeletal:

Core muscles maintain constant isometric tension around the spine.
These contractions work through skeletal attachment points to stabilise posture.
Limb muscles interact with joint levers to create precise adjustments.
This connection shows how muscles use bones as mechanical advantages.
The relationship enables fine-tuned movements essential for beam performance.

Implications:

All three systems depend on continuous communication for successful balance.
Nerves sense position which causes muscles to move using bones as levers.
The interdependence means interruptions to any system affects balance ability.
Therefore, gymnastic training must develop all three systems equally.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 108 MC

During a powerful golf swing, what best describes the respiratory system's interaction with other body systems?

Only supports the circulatory system
Coordinates with multiple systems to meet increased oxygen demands
Works in isolation from other systems
Reduces function to allow other systems to dominate

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\(B\)

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B is correct: The respiratory system increases breathing to supply oxygen that multiple systems need during the powerful movement.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: The respiratory system supports more than just circulation
C is incorrect: No body system works in isolation during movement
D is incorrect: The respiratory system increases, not reduces, its function during exercise