1.

The diagram below shows a spirometer, which can be used to measure lung volumes in humans.
C h a rt re c o rd e r

W r itin g p e n

W a te r le v e l

M o v a b le lid

C o u n te r b a la n c e

H in g e

S o d a lim e
c o n ta in e r
O xygen
in le t

(a)

M o u th p ie c e

State the purpose of the soda lime in the spirometer.

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Describe how you would use a spirometer to measure a persons vital capacity.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(c)

In an investigation, the tidal volumes and breathing rates of two students, Kim and Jo,
were measured. The results are shown in the table below.
Tidal volume / cm3

Breathing rate
/ breaths per minute

Kim

500

18

Jo

475

16

Student

(i)

Explain what is meant by the term tidal volume.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

The minute volume is the volume of air breathed in, or the volume of air breathed
out, per minute. Use the data in the table to calculate Kims minute volume. Show
your working.

Answer ....................................................
(2)

(iii)

After Jos tidal volume and breathing rate were measured and recorded, she held
her breath for thirty seconds, then resumed breathing. Suggest what effect this
would have had on her tidal volume and breathing rate, giving reasons for your
answer.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

2.

Diagram A and diagram B below show recordings of the breathing patterns of a person.
In diagram A the person is at rest. In diagram B the person has just finished a period of
strenuous exercise.

V o lu m e o f a ir /d m

D ia g r a m A : a t r e s t

0 .5 d m

10

20
T im e / s

30

40

V o lu m e o f a ir /d m

D ia g r a m B : a f te r e x e r c is e

0 .5 d m

(a)

10

20
T im e / s

30

40

Calculate the mean tidal volume between 10 and 30 seconds when the person is at rest.
Show your working.

Answer .................................
(2)

(b)

The ventilation rate of a person can be calculated by multiplying the rate of breathing by
the depth of breathing. Use diagram B to calculate the ventilation rate of the person
during the first 10 seconds after exercise. Show your working.

Answer .................................
(2)

(c)

Using the data in the recordings, compare the breathing patterns of this person before and
after exercise.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(3)

(d)

This person then undertook a physical training programme.

(i)

Describe and explain two differences that you would expect to see in the breathing
patterns of this person following exercise as a result of the training programme.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
(4)

(ii)

Suggest how the training programme might affect the cardiac output of the person.
...
...
...
...
(2)
(Total 13 marks)

3.

(a)

Explain what is meant by the term vital capacity.

............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The graph below shows a recording of lung volumes (a spirogram) from a healthy
student.

l u

m3

c m

03

c m

4
T

5
i m

6
e

7
/

From the recording, determine the tidal volume. Show your working.

Answer ........................................
(2)

(c)

Describe the effect of a small increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in inspired
air on the breathing of a person.
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

4.

The trace on the diagram below shows the tidal volume of a man of average fitness at rest.
L
v
/

o l u
d3 m

6
g

4
V i t a l
c a p a c i t y

R e s i d u a l
v o l u m
e

0
0

6
T

(a)

t a r t

e x

0
i m

8
e

0
/

1 0 0 1 2 0
s e c o n d s

e r c i s e

Calculate the minute volume (VE). Show your working.

Answer
(2)

(b)

The man began to run on a treadmill at 20 seconds and continued running for the next
100 seconds.
Continue the trace on the diagram to the end of the time scale to show the changes in the
tidal volume while the man was exercising.
(2)

(c)

Explain the meaning of the term residual volume.

............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
(1)

(d)

Describe and explain the effect of training on ventilation efficiency.

............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

5.

(a) The diagram below shows a spirometer. This apparatus is used to measure the
volume of air breathed in and out and the frequency of breathing under different
conditions.

A spirometer was used to compare a persons breathing at rest and during exercise. The
results are shown in the graphs below.
During exercise

V o lu m e o f o x y g e n / d m

At rest

d3 m

2 10 5 2

0
T

i m

5
/ s

3 35 0 0

d3 m

2 10 5 2

0
T

i m

5
/ s

3 35 0

The minute volume is the volume of oxygen taken into the lungs in one minute, and is
calculated by multiplying the tidal volume by the breathing rate.
(i)

Using the information in the graphs, calculate the minute volume at rest. Show
your working.

Answer ........................................
(2)

(ii)

Calculate the increase in the minute volume that occurred in this person as a result
of the exercise. Show your working.

Answer ........................................
(2)

(b)

Cardiac output also increases during exercise.

(i)

State what is meant by cardiac output.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

11

(ii)

Explain how increases in minute volume and cardiac output during exercise enable
rapid delivery of oxygen to muscles during exercise.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

6.

(a)

Describe how you would find the breathing rate of a person at rest.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

The table below shows the pulmonary ventilation rate (volume of air breathed in or out
per minute) of a man at rest, and walking at four different speeds.
Walking speed / km hour

Pulmonary ventilation rate

3
1
/dm min

0 (rest)

11

3.2

19

4.8

25

6.4

37

8.0

60

(i)

Describe the relationship between walking speed and the pulmonary ventilation
rate.
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Explain the mechanism by which these changes in pulmonary ventilation rate are
brought about.
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................
(3)

13

(c)

An experiment was carried out to determine the composition of a sample of expired air,
using a gas burette. A person breathed out as far as possible through a gas burette, which
was then closed. The initial gas volume was recorded. A small volume of saturated
potassium hydroxide solution was then injected into the gas burette and the final gas
volume was recorded. Potassium hydroxide solution absorbs carbon dioxide.
The results are shown in the table below.
Gas burette reading

Volume / cm

Initial volume

75.0

Final volume

72.0

Calculate the percentage of carbon dioxide in the air sample. Show your working.

Answer ....................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

7.

(a) Ventilation rate changes in response to different levels of physical activity. Explain
how these changes are brought about.
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)
V
/

The graph below shows changes in the ventilation rate of an athlete before, during and
after a 10 minute period of strenuous exercise.
e n t i l a t i o n
d3 m 1 m
i n
1

0
0

r a t e
P

e r i o

0 1 2
T i m

4
e

e x

1
/

6
m

e r c i s e

1 8 2 0 2
i n u t e s

15

Describe the changes in the ventilation rate in the two minutes before exercise and during
the period of exercise.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Suggest how the ventilation rate, during and after exercise, would differ in an untrained
individual completing the same type of exercise for the same length of time.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

8.

(a)

The diagram below shows a spirometer, used to measure lung volumes in humans.

(i)

State the function of the soda lime.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

17

(ii)

Describe how you would use a spirometer to measure the tidal volume of a person.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

The graph below shows a spirometer record (spirogram) from a healthy person.
p

o
/

l u
d3 m

. 5

. 0

. 5

. 0

. 5

. 0

. 5

. 0

. 5

. 0
0

e r s o n
b r e a p t he re s d o n
b r e a t h
o u t f u l l y
i n
f u l l y

e d

2
T

3
i m

3
e

6
/

From the recording, find the vital capacity of the person.

Answer ..................................................... dm

(1)
(Total 5 marks)

9.

(a)

Explain the meaning of the term respiratory minute volume.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

19

The normal percentage of carbon dioxide in inspired (breathed in) air is 0.03%. The graph
below shows the effect of increasing the percentage of carbon dioxide on the respiratory
minute volume (VE) at rest.
The effect is expressed as a percentage above the resting minute volume when carbon
dioxide is at normal levels.

P e rc e n ta g e in c re a s e in
re s p ira to ry m in u te v o lu m e

(b)

0
0

(i)

. 5 1 . 0 1 . 5 2 . 0 2 . 5 3 . 0 3 . 5 4 . 0 4 . 5
C o n c e n t r a t i o n
o f c a r b o n

i o

i d

The respiratory minute volume of an adult male is approximately 8 dm min when

breathing air containing 0.03% carbon dioxide.
Use the graph to calculate the respiratory minute volume of this man when the
percentage carbon dioxide in inspired air is 1.5%.
Show your working

Answer .
(3)

i n

(ii)

Explain how this increase in minute volume is brought about.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(c)

The diagram below shows the structure of a stretch receptor. These are found in smooth
muscle around the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs and in the muscles of the chest
wall and diaphragm.
M
o t o r
n e u r o n

S
n

e s

e n s o r y
e u r o n e s

21

Explain the role of stretch receptors in the control of breathing.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

10.

Describe and explain how the bodys breathing system responds to exercise.
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)

11.

(a)

Explain the meaning of the following terms.

Breathing rate .............................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
Tidal volume ...............................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The graph below shows the changes that occur to the breathing rate and tidal volume as
exercise intensity increases.
5

B r e a t h 3 i n0 g
r a t e
/ b r e a t h
m i 1n
2 0
1

0
0

3
T
v

i d a l
o l u m

0
e r c i s e

i n

t e n

s i t y

1
/

0 0
a r b

i t r a r y

23

Describe the effect of increasing exercise intensity on the breathing rate and tidal volume.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

12.

The diagram below shows the ways in which the respiratory system and different parts of the
brain interact with each other to regulate breathing.
C
h

e r e b r a l
e m
i s p h e r e s

R e s p i r a t o r y
c e n t r e s i n
t h e
p o n s
a n d
m
e d u

I n

(a)

l l a

t e r c o s t a l m
u s c l e s a n d
D
i a p h r a g m
m
u s c l
C h e m
o r e c e p t o r s
s t r e t c h
r e c e p t o r s
s t r e t c h
r e c e p t o r s

Breathing can be controlled voluntarily and involuntarily. Name the part of the brain that
controls involuntary breathing.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Suggest one occasion when the depth of breathing is increased voluntarily.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Using the information in the diagram, explain the roles of muscle spindles and nerves in
the control of breathing during exercise.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(d)

The ventilation of the lungs during breathing is essential in maintaining the concentration
gradients of the respiratory gases. This ensures that gas exchange is efficient. Explain
why the chemoreceptors are particularly important during exercise.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

25

This question is about changes in the physiology of whales, penguins, seals and humans when
they hold their breath to dive below the surface of water.
(a)

Figures 1 and 2, below, show the changes in blood lactate concentration during diving in
white whales and emperor penguins.
Figure 1. Blood lactate concentration in the blood of white whales (Delphinapterus
leucas) before and after diving.

t =

B
d

e f o r e
i v i n g

3P <. 6 03 ., 0

B lo o d la c ta te c o n c e n tra tio n / m m o l d m

13.

4
D

i v

r a t i o

6
n

i n

t e s

Adapted from data of Shafferi, Costa, Williams & Ridgway (1997)

2
D

i v

B lo o d la c ta te c o n c e n tra tio n / m m o l d m

Figure 2. Blood lactate concentration in emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri)

after dives of different duration.

4
e

r a t i o

6
i n

t e s

Adapted from data of Ponganis, Kooyman, Starke, Kooyman & Kooyman (1997)

(i)

Explain why the blood lactate concentration increases when these animals dive
under water.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

27

(ii)

The difference between the blood lactate concentration of whales before and after
diving was found to be significant (p < 0.05). Briefly explain what the word
significant means in this context.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Describe the relationship between blood lactate concentration and dive duration in
emperor penguins. Suggest an explanation for this relationship.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

Referring to Figure 3 below, describe and explain the effect of diving depth on the heart
rate of grey seals.

H e a rt ra te /
b e a ts m in

Figure 3. The effect of diving depth on heart rate in submerged grey seals
(Halichoerus grypus).
1
1

5
0

0
0

0
0

D e p th / m

(b)

5
1

0
0

0
1

2
T

0
i m

3
e

/ m

i n

t e s

Adapted from Thomas and Fedak (1993)

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

29

(c)

Referring to Figure 4 below:

Figure 4. Electrocardiogram (ecg) of a woman before and during a dive made while
holding her breath.

s T

i m

1
e

/ s e c o

r i n

s e c o

1
i m

i v

r e X d

e f o

2
n

Based on data of Ferrigno, Ferretti, Ellis, Warkander, Costa, Cerretelli & Lundgren (1997)

(i)

Name the wave of depolarisation labelled X in Figure 4 and explain the part it
plays in the cardiac cycle.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Calculate the womans heart rate before and during her dive. Show your working.

Heart rate before dive ................

Heart rate during dive ................
(2)

(d)

Referring to Figures 5(a) and 5(b) below:

Figure 5. The effect of dive duration on the heart rate of a woman while holding
her breath;
(a) at a water temperature of 25 C.
(b) at a water temperature of 35 C.
The woman was wearing a swimsuit.
2
4

0
0

0
1
2
3
4
5

0
0
0
0
0

i v

r a

t i o

i v

r a

t i o

0
0
1

H e a rt ra te /
b e a ts m in 1

H e a rt ra te /
b e a ts m in 1

D e p th m

Based on data of Ferrigno, Ferretti, Ellis, Warkander, Costa, Cerretelli & Lundgren (1997)

(i)

Suggest an explanation for the difference in heart rate while diving at 25C and at
35C.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

31

(ii)

Suggest an explanation for the womans high heart rate just before diving.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 20 marks)

14.

(a) The diagram below shows the structure of a spirometer, which can be used to
measure lung volumes in humans.
C

a r t

r e c o

r d

e r

r Mi t i no

gv

S o d a
l i m
e
c o n t a i n e r
O

x
i n

M
g

l e t

e n

a p b e l ne

t e r

i n

t h

l i d

i e c e

a t e r

a l a n

c e

l e

(i)

Explain the importance of the soda lime in the spirometer.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest how you could use this spirometer to measure the vital capacity of a
person.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

33

(b)

An investigation was carried out into the effect of cycling speed on the breathing rate of a
healthy student. In this investigation, an exercise bicycle was used.
The breathing rate of the student was measured at rest. He then cycled at 10 km per hour
for 2 minutes and, immediately after, his breathing rate was recorded. He rested for 5
minutes, before cycling at 15 km per hour for 2 minutes, after which his breathing rate
was again measured.
This investigation was repeated at cycling speeds of 20 and 25 km per hour.
The student rested for 5 minutes between each period of cycling.
The results are shown in the table below.
1

Cycling speed / km h

(i)

Breathing rate / breaths min

0 (rest)

12

10

14

15

17

20

20

25

27

Calculate the percentage increase in breathing rate, as the cycling speed increased
from 10 km per hour to 25 km per hour. Show your working.

Answer = ....................................... %
(2)

(ii)

Suggest an explanation for these results.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

m in

(a) A study was carried out to investigate the effects of training on the ventilation rate
of the lungs during excercise. The graph below shows the effect of a five minute period
of exercise on the ventilation rate of two individuals. One individual has followed a
training programme and the other individual has not.

V e n tila tio n r a te / d m

15.

0
0

T r a i n e d
i n d i v i d u

a l

U
n t r a i n e d
i n d i v i d u a l

2
T

i m

4
/

i n

35

(i)

Compare the effects of this exercise on the ventilation rate of the two individuals.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest what other information would be needed to allow a valid comparison to be

made of the effect of a training programme on ventilation rate.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

An athlete was having difficulties with the control of his ventilation rate.
The diagram below shows four nerves labelled A, B, C and D involved in the control of
ventilation.

N
N

e r v
e r v

e r v

A
N

F
h

r o m A
e a r t

T o
o d

r t a

H
b

e r v

i a p

e a r t
h

r a g

Damage to any of these four nerves would affect the control of ventilation. For each of
the descriptions below, state which of the nerves labelled A, B, C or D would have been
damaged. Put a cross in the box corresponding to the correct letter.
(i)

Nerve impulses from the aortic body would not reach the respiratory centre.
A

(ii)

Nerve impulses would not reach the respiratory centre from the stretch receptors.
A

(iv)

Nerve impulses from the respiratory centre would not reach the diaphragm.
A

(iii)

Nerve impulses from the carotid body would not reach the respiratory centre.
A

D
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

37