Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation, with mark schemes. Covers the cardiac conduction system, ECGs, control of heart rate and breathing, and spirometry.
Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 7: Run for Your Life, including Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation
This part of Topic 7 explains how the body adjusts to exercise. Expect ECG and spirometer trace questions.
What you need to know
- Cardiac conduction The SAN starts each beat, the AVN delays it, and the bundle of His and Purkyne fibres spread excitation through the ventricles.
- Control of heart rate The cardiovascular control centre in the medulla responds to chemoreceptors and baroreceptors through sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
- Ventilation The ventilation centre responds to carbon dioxide levels. Tidal volume, vital capacity and breathing rate from spirometer traces.
- ECGs Normal and abnormal traces, such as tachycardia and arrhythmia.
Common mistakes in Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation
- Saying the AVN starts the heartbeat.
- Confusing tidal volume and vital capacity.
- Forgetting the delay at the AVN allows the atria to empty.
Try three Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation exam-style questions
1. Describe the role of the sinoatrial node. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
It acts as the pacemaker (1), sending waves of excitation across the atria to make them contract (1).
2. Explain why there is a delay at the atrioventricular node. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
It allows the atria to finish contracting (1) so the ventricles fill before they contract (1).
3. Calculate ventilation rate if tidal volume is 0.5 dm³ and breathing rate is 16 per minute. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
0.5 x 16 = 8 dm³ per minute.
Topic 7: Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 7 cover?
Heart rate control, ECGs, ventilation control and spirometry.
Is there a core practical?
Yes, investigating the effect of exercise on tidal volume and breathing rate using a spirometer.
What do chemoreceptors detect?
Changes in carbon dioxide concentration and pH in the blood.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
