Revision PPQ'S Muscular System

Question 1

Describe a concentric contraction:

Answer 1

The increase in tension as the muscle shortens

Question 2

Describe a cramp and the impact it has on Gareth’s basketball performance:

Answer 2

A cramp is an involuntary contraction/ spasm of the muscle causing pain
It often occurs due to dehydration and low sodium levels
It will restrict his movement and he will not be able to run/jump or continue his basketball game.

Question 3

Describe two characteristics of smooth muscle:

Answer 3

Involuntary muscle

Functions under the control of the nervous system

Question 4

Describe the role of a synergist muscle:

Answer 4

Works alongside the agonist to control and direct movement

They alter the direction and pull on the agonist to make the position more of an advantage

Question 5

Explain how an increase in myoglobin stores will benefit Sonia’s football performance:

Answer 5

Increase in myoglobin means there will be more oxygen taken into the muscles - increased oxidative capacity
Slower build up of lactic acid - won’t fatigue as easily and last longer

Question 6

Explain why there is an increased muscle pliability and explain how this affects Frances:

Answer 6

This is because the temperature of your muscles has increased
Muscles are now more flexible and there is a lower risk of injury

Question 7

Explain one other response of her muscles to a single weight training session:

Answer 7

There is an increase in blood supply because the working muscles require more oxygen and therefore blood will deliver this

Question 8

Explain the impact of muscular hypertrophy on Marcellous’s sprinting performance:

Answer 8

He will be able to put more power and force behind his run as the muscles have increased in strength and size and he will be able to run faster

Question 9

Explain one response of the muscular system from lifting heavy weights:

Answer 9

Micro-tears - these are tiny tears in the muscle fibres

Due to the muscles being overloaded

Question 10

Explain the role of a fixator muscle during a weight training exercise:

Answer 10

A fixator muscle will ensure there is no unwanted movement
Stabilises the joint
Ensures the agonist can give the strongest and most effective contraction

Question 11

Explain what causes muscle temperature to increase during exercise:

Answer 11

This is due to the increase in energy requirements
Energy is needed from fuels such as fats and carbs which are broken down by a chemical reaction and heat is produced as a waste product

Question 12

Explain why an increase storage of muscle glycogen benefits Julie during a race:

Answer 12

An increased storage of glycogen means there is readily available energy for Julie’s muscles
She can work at a high intensity for longer
Slower onset of fatigue - less lactic acid

Question 13

Explain why type I muscle fibres are used in long distance swimming races:

Answer 13

They are rich in mitochondria 
Red in colour - good blood supply
Suited to low intensity, long distance exercises 
Slow contraction
Little force 
Allows pace to be maintained

Question 14

Explain one reason that type IIa muscle fibres are important to an 800m runner’s performance:

Answer 14

They can produce a great force because they are fast contracting and also contain oxygen within them
This allows them to maintain their intensity and speed throughout the run and fatigue slower
Oxygen present = slower lactic acid build up

Question 15

Explain why type IIa muscle fibres will be used during a basketball game:

Answer 15

They contain some oxygen so don’t fatigue as quickly as type IIx
They allow you to work at a medium intensity so you can continue running throughout the game and not fatigue as quickly
They will allow you to make powerful contractions - run, shoot

Question 16

Give the meaning of the term ‘isometric contraction’:

Answer 16

The length of the muscle does not change and the angle of the joint does not change - leads to rapid fatigue

Question 17

State the 3 types of muscle tissue and its location in the body:

Answer 17

Skeletal muscle - skeletal bones
Cardiac muscle - the heart
Smooth muscle - digestive organs

Question 18

State one characteristic of cardiac muscle:

Answer 18

It is involuntary - not under our conscious control

Question 19

State 1 characteristic of skeletal muscle:

Answer 19

Voluntary - under our conscious control

Question 20

State 1 characteristic of smooth muscle:

Answer 20

Allows vasodilation and vasoconstriction to take place

Question 21

State one reason why it is important cardiac muscle is non-fatiguing:

Answer 21

So it can constantly provide blood to our working muscles

Question 22

State the function of mitochondria:

Answer 22

ATP synthesis - aerobic respiration

Energy production

Question 23

Explain why an increase in the number of mitochondria is beneficial to Janes 800m race:

Answer 23

More mitochondria means more energy is produced
More aerobic respiration
This means that there will be a slower build up of lactic acid
Later onset of fatigue
Jane can work at a higher intensity for longer and she will be able to finish her race in a good time

Question 24

State 3 characteristics of type I muscle fibres:

Answer 24

Contain many mitochondria
Slow contraction speed
Lower contraction force

Question 25

State 3 characteristics of type IIx muscle fibres:

Answer 25

Rapid contraction speed
Maximum contraction force
Energy production without oxygen - anaerobic