AQA A Level PE Physiology Quiz

Study Notes

Introduction to AQA A Level PE Physiology

AQA A Level Physical Education (PE) physiology explores the body's responses and adaptations to physical activity and exercise.
Key concepts include energy systems, muscle physiology, cardiovascular responses, respiratory responses, and the endocrine system's role, including hormones.
It also covers factors such as hydration, nutrition, and recovery.

Energy Systems

The body uses three main energy systems to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.
- ATP-PC System (Phosphagen System):
  - Provides rapid energy for short-duration, high-intensity activities like sprinting.
  - Utilizes stored phosphocreatine to rapidly regenerate ATP.
  - Limited capacity; quickly depleted.
- Anaerobic Glycolysis:
  - Provides energy for short-term, high-intensity activities lasting up to 30-90 seconds (e.g., 400m run).
  - Breaks down glucose anaerobically (without oxygen), producing lactic acid as a byproduct.
  - Lower ATP yield compared to aerobic systems but faster production.
- Aerobic Respiration:
  - The primary energy source for prolonged activities (e.g., marathon running, endurance training).
  - Breaks down glucose aerobically (with oxygen) in the mitochondria, producing a large amount of ATP.
  - Slow production of ATP, but sustained capacity.

Muscle Physiology

Muscles are responsible for movement.
Skeletal Muscle:
- Composed of muscle fibers, which contain myofibrils (actin and myosin filaments).
- Sliding filament theory describes how muscle contraction occurs.
Muscle Fibre Types:
- Fast-twitch (Type II) fibres are primarily used for quick, powerful movements and anaerobic activities.
- Slow-twitch (Type I) fibres are more efficient and important for sustained, low-intensity aerobic activities.
Muscle Fatigue:
- Physiological inability to contract effectively.
- Factors include depletion of energy stores, build-up of metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid, and nervous system fatigue.

Cardiovascular Responses

The cardiovascular system transports oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise.
- Heart Rate: Increases significantly with exercise to deliver more blood to working muscles.
- Stroke Volume: The amount of blood pumped per beat by the heart; increases with exercise to improve oxygen delivery.
- Cardiac Output: The amount of blood pumped per minute (heart rate x stroke volume); increases substantially during exercise.
- Blood Pressure: Rises during exercise, with systolic pressure increasing more.
- Blood Flow Redistribution: Blood flow is directed preferentially to working muscles, while blood flow is decreased to less active organs.

Respiratory Responses

The respiratory system facilitates gas exchange to provide oxygen for aerobic energy production and remove carbon dioxide.
- Ventilation Rate: Increases substantially during exercise to meet the body's increased oxygen demand.
- Tidal Volume: The volume of air inhaled and exhaled per breath; increases during exercise.
- Pulmonary Diffusion: The rate of gas exchange across the alveoli; increases with exercise to efficiently transport oxygen into the blood and expel carbon dioxide.

Endocrine System

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes and responses to exercise.
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow, and enhance glucose mobilization.
- Other hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol also have important roles in the adaptation to exercise.

Hydration and Nutrition

Important for optimal performance and recovery.
- Hydration maintains fluid balance, critical for thermoregulation and transporting nutrients.
- Proper nutrition provides the necessary energy, nutrients, and fluids to support muscle function and recovery.

Recovery

Refers to the body's processes which return it to a pre-exercise state.
- Active recovery promotes blood flow to muscles and speeds up the removal of metabolic byproducts, aiding recovery.
- Passive recovery allows the body to rest and recover.
- Factors such as diet, sleep, and injury management influence recovery.

Description

Test your knowledge on AQA A Level Physical Education physiology, focusing on the body's responses and adaptations to physical activities and exercise. This quiz covers energy systems, muscle physiology, and the role of hydration and nutrition in performance.