Topic 1 - Paper 2 Questions [97

marks]

1a. Define the term origin of a muscle. [1 mark]

Markscheme
«often proximal» attachment of a muscle tendon to a stationary bone ✔
Must refer to stationary/non-moving/fixed end.
[1]

Examiners report
Many candidates did not mention that it was a tendon attached to a
‘stationary bone’

1b. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the tibia relative to [1 mark]
the femur.

Markscheme
Inferior
OR
distal ✔
[1]

Examiners report
The results for this were mixed – most knew the relationship for the tibia and
femur and the patella to the tibia but struggled with the fibula to the tibia.
A few students clearly did not know what they were being asked for and they
listed several conflicting options (e.g. inferior, superior), and a few did not use
appropriate anatomical terminology.
1c. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the fibula relative to [1 mark]
the tibia.

Markscheme
posterior
OR
lateral ✔
[1]

Examiners report
The results for this were mixed – most knew the relationship for the tibia and
femur and the patella to the tibia but struggled with the fibula to the tibia.
A few students clearly did not know what they were being asked for and they
listed several conflicting options (e.g. inferior, superior), and a few did not use
appropriate anatomical terminology

1d. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the patella relative to [1 mark]
the tibia.

Markscheme
anterior
OR
proximal
OR
superior ✔
[1]

Examiners report
The results for this were mixed – most knew the relationship for the tibia and
femur and the patella to the tibia but struggled with the fibula to the tibia.
A few students clearly did not know what they were being asked for and they
listed several conflicting options (e.g. inferior, superior), and a few did not use
appropriate anatomical terminology

2a. Define the term origin of a muscle. [1 mark]

 Markscheme
«often proximal» attachment of a muscle tendon to a stationary bone ✔
Must refer to stationary/non-moving/fixed end of the bone.
[1]

Examiners report
[N/A]

2b. Using an example of each, distinguish between isotonic and isometric [3 marks]
muscle contractions.

Markscheme
in an isotonic contraction, the joint angle / muscle length are changed whereas
in an isometric contraction, the joint angle and muscle length remain stable ✔
example of isotonic contraction: eg dumbbell curl ✔
example of isometric contraction: eg handstand ✔
[3]

Examiners report
Many students answered this well, but there were candidates who confused
isotonic and isometric contractions. By far the most common example of an
isometric contraction was a plank and biceps curl for isotonic. There were a
number of candidates who did not offer any examples missing two marks.

2c. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the tibia relative to [1 mark]
the femur.
 Markscheme
Inferior
OR
distal ✔
[1]

Examiners report
Most candidates were able to access all marks, but the question presented a
challenge for the weaker students.

2d. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the fibula relative to [1 mark]
the tibia.

Markscheme
posterior
OR
lateral ✔
[1]

Examiners report
Most candidates were able to access all marks, but the question presented a
challenge for the weaker students.

2e. Using anatomical terminology, state the location of the patella relative to [1 mark]
the tibia.
 Markscheme
anterior
OR
proximal
OR
superior ✔
[1]

Examiners report
Most candidates were able to access all marks, but the question presented a
challenge for the weaker students.

3a. State the general characteristic common to muscle tissue that allows the [1 mark]
muscle to stretch and return to its original resting length.

Markscheme
elasticity ✔

Examiners report
(a), (b) and (c) were all generally well understood and appeared straight
forward.

3b. Describe the functions of ligaments and tendons in a joint such as the [2 marks]
knee joint.

Markscheme
tendons connect muscles to bones ✔
ligaments connect bones to bones ✔
ligaments/ tendons stabilize joints ✔
tendons enable flexion and/ or extension of the joint✔
1 max for ligaments or tendons
 Examiners report
Generally well understood and appeared straight forward.

4. Distinguish between the three different types of muscle. [3 marks]

Markscheme

Examiners report
Many candidates struggled with the command term here and neglected to
have the comparative component for each type of muscle.
5a. State the general characteristic common to muscle tissue that allows the [1 mark]
muscle to stretch and return to its original resting length.

Markscheme
elasticity ✔

Examiners report
All candidates attempted this question, and overall performed very well.
However, some candidates were confused with extensibility.

5b. Describe the functions of ligaments and tendons in a joint such as the [2 marks]
knee joint.

Markscheme
tendons connect muscles to bones ✔
ligaments connect bones to bones ✔
ligaments and tendons stabilize joints ✔
tendons enable flexion and/ or extension of the joint✔

Examiners report
This was generally answered very well, with many candidates relating their
description to the knee specifically.

6. Describe five features of a synovial joint. [5 marks]

 Markscheme
synovial membrane: lines the inside of the capsule / produces synovial fluid ✔
bursae: sacs of synovial fluid / located in areas where there is a lot of friction ✔
meniscus: crescent-shaped pad of cartilage prevents wear / rubbing / provides
cushioning ✔
ligaments: connect the bones of a joint / provide stability ✔
articular capsule: strong tissue enveloping the joint / blends into the
periosteum / gives the joint stability / stops unwanted material getting into the
joint area ✔
articular cartilage: smooth cartilage that reduces friction / that is on the end of
the bones <of the joint> ✔
synovial fluid: fluid that lubricates the articular surfaces / forms a cushion /
provides nutrients for the cartilage / absorbs any debris / fluid inside the
capsule ✔
Must include feature and describe the feature for [1] mark.

Examiners report
Many students were able to identify some if not all the parts of a synovial joint.
However, many students misinterpreted the question and discussed
movements of synovial joints or types of joints.

7. Distinguish between contractility, extensibility and elasticity. [3 marks]

Markscheme
Contractility:
ability of muscle to shorten under tension
OR
lengthen under tension ✔
Extensibility:
ability to stretch / lengthen beyond its resting length ✔
Elasticity:
ability to return to its resting length when relaxed / stretch is removed ✔
 Examiners report
Standard level content question. This was one of the weakest areas on the
paper. Many students were unable to accurately distinguish between
contractility and extensibility. A lack of depth in the answer often resulted in
candidates receiving 0 marks. Average mark for this question was 1 from 3.

8a. Long bones are one type of bone found in the body. List two other types [2 marks]
of bone.
1.

2.

Markscheme
flat ✔
short ✔
irregular ✔
Accept “sesamoid”.

Examiners report
Overall, this question was answered very well; however, some candidates
used more words than necessary in their answer.

8b. Outline the function of a ligament in a shoulder joint. [1 mark]

Markscheme
attach bone to bone ✔
provide strength/stability to a joint ✔
 Examiners report
Overall, this question was answered well. A confusion with functions of a
tendon happened occasionally.

9a. Using examples, outline the function of the axial and appendicular [4 marks]
skeleton during physical activity.

Markscheme
Axial skeleton:
provides protection of vital organs ✔
eg, skull protects the brain «during a tackle in rugby» ✔
supports the weight of the upper body ✔
eg, vertebral column supports the weight of the upper body «while balancing
on a beam in gymnastics» ✔
Appendicular skeleton :
provides attachment for muscles ✔
eg, scapula provides attachment for rotator cuff muscles «which support the
shoulders during the rings and vaulting» ✔
provides levers to allow movement ✔
eg, humerus and ulna articulate to form a lever «that allows for a more
effective release of a javelin» ✔
Award [2 max] per skeleton type for both function and example.
Award [1 max] if either an outline or example has not been provided.
Accept any other suitable examples.

Examiners report
Overall, this was a very popular and well answered question. Candidates who
struggled with this question failed to provide appropriate examples for
physical activities particularly with regards to appendicular skeleton.

9b. Explain how characteristics of type IIb muscle fibres could enhance the [5 marks]
performance of a sprinter.
 Markscheme
greater fibres per motor neuron therefore more fibre recruitment per
contraction ✔
fast motor neuron conduction transports action potential quickly ✔
a highly developed sarcoplasmic reticulum helps spread the action potential
across the muscle fibre quickly ✔
«therefore» delivery of calcium is increased to the muscle cell ✔
«therefore» the contractile speed is fast ✔
high PC and ATP stores provide immediate source of energy for fast muscle
contraction ✔
high glycogen stores provide energy for high intensity movements ✔
have a high anaerobic capacity «which is important for sprinters» ✔
can produce an explosive performance «which is required at the start of the
event» ✔

Examiners report
There was a large variety of answers to this question. Overall, candidates
identified a few of the main characteristics of type IIb fibres but many failed to
connect characteristics with enhanced performance of a sprinter. Both
concepts were needed in order to be awarded many of the individual mark
points. Confusion with type I muscle fibres was common.

10a. Outline two types of connective tissue of joints. [2 marks]

Markscheme
Cartilage:
joins bone to bone ‹as in cartilaginous joints›✔
allows limited movement ‹in cartilaginous joints›✔
Ligament:
attaches bone to bone ‹in synovial joints›✔
helps provide stability for synovial joints✔
Tendon:
attaches ‹skeletal› muscle to bone✔
helps provide stability for synovial joints✔
Award [1] per type of connective tissue.
 Examiners report
Most students were able to answer this question well; however, some
candidates listed the connective tissues and did not provide an outline.

10b. Describe the types of movement of the ball and socket joint at the [6 marks]
shoulder.

Markscheme
Rotation:
movement of bone/limb around a central/longitudinal axis✔
Flexion:
bending or decreasing the angle between 2 bones✔
Extension :
increasing the angle between 2 bones✔
Abduction:
movement of the bone/ limb away from the midline of the body✔
Adduction:
movement of the bone toward the midline of the body✔
Circumduction:
when the end of the bone makes a circle and the bone makes the shape of a
cone✔
Depression:
movement at the shoulder downwards towards the feet✔
Elevation:
movement of lifting the shoulders towards the head✔
Name it and describe it for [1].
Award [1 max] for each.
For abduction the intent must be shown for movement to be away from
the midline and adduction toward the midline

Examiners report
While candidates identified movements of this joint they were not able to
describe the movements. Candidates should be advised that full marks cannot
be awarded for a mere list of types of movement when a “describe” command
term is used.
11a. Distinguish between fibrous and cartilaginous joints. [2 marks]

Markscheme

Award [1 max] per line.

Examiners report
Many students were able to answer this question well. There was uncertainty
regarding the amount of movement for each joint.

11b. Discuss the characteristics of the lactic acid system during exercise. [6 marks]

Markscheme
uses glucose as the fuel✔
used at the start of exercise
OR
is dominant for up to 3 minutes✔
used in high intensity exercise/eg, 400m sprint✔
anaerobic✔
has lactic acid as a byproduct✔
lactic acid limits longer duration exercise✔
<1 glucose> makes 2 ATP with this system✔
occurs in the cell cytoplasm/sarcoplasm/outside the mitochondria✔
the breakdown of glucose is activated by a reduction in PC levels✔

Examiners report
Many students answered this question adequately.
12. Outline two characteristics common to muscle tissue. [2 marks]

Markscheme
Muscle contractility:
the ability of a muscle to contract forcefully✔
Extensibility:
a muscle can be stretched beyond its normal resting length✔
Elasticity:
the ability of a muscle to recoil back to its original resting length after
stretching✔
Excitability:
control by nerve stimuli✔
Atrophy:
a decrease in size due to a lack of exercising a muscle group✔
this change in size is primarily due to a decrease in the number of myofibrils
and sarcomeres inside the muscle fiber✔
Hypertrophy:
an increase in muscle size✔
Fed by capillaries:
which supply oxygen/ remove CO2✔
Award [1 max] per characteristic.

Examiners report
This was a poorly answered question for the few candidates that selected Q6.
This is an area that requires review during class teaching.

13a. State the type of synovial joint that is found at the distal end of the [1 mark]
femur.

Markscheme
hinge «joint» ✔
 Examiners report
Overall a very strong question for candidates with most accurately identifying
the hinge joint.

13b. Analyse the ankle joint movement at take-off when rebounding in [2 marks]
basketball in relation to joint action and type of muscle contraction.

Markscheme
Joint action:
plantar flexion ✔
Type of muscle contraction:
«gastrocnemius» contracts concentrically ✔
gastrocnemius/soleus is/are the agonist/prime mover ✔
tibialis anterior is relaxing «and acting as the antagonist» ✔
Do not accept isotonic as a sole answer.
Award [1 max] for muscle contraction.

Examiners report
Many candidates were able to identify the movement as plantar flexion. A high
proportion of candidates just referred to flexion and identified the muscle;
however the question required the specific muscle contraction and this was
often omitted in the candidate’s answer.

14a. Outline the structural components of skeletal muscle. [5 marks]

 Markscheme
epimysium is the outer surrounding layer «which consists mainly of collagen
fibres» ✔
perimysium surrounds bundles of muscle fibres ✔
muscle fibres which are surrounded in a layer called the endomysium ✔
these all connect to a tendon which attaches to the bone to allow muscles to
move ✔
the muscle cell/fibre is composed of smaller units called myofibrils ✔
a myofibril is composed of contractile components «protein filaments» known
as myosin and actin ✔
sarcomere is a basic/functional unit of the muscle cell ✔
Do not award for reference to striped/striated appearance.
Award [3 max] if they draw and label a diagram .

Examiners report
For those candidates who had selected Q5 many confused the requirements of
the question with the characteristics of muscle. Candidates should develop
their ability to describe anatomical structures as those who attempted this
question found it difficult to express their understanding coherently. Some
candidates drew a diagram to demonstrate their knowledge and this helped to
provide evidence to support their response.

14b. Explain the importance of reliability and validity in fitness testing, for a [6 marks]
sport of your choice.
 Markscheme
fitness tests can be reliable even if they are not a valid test ✔
valid inferences cannot be made from a fitness test unless it is reliable ✔
Validity:
is the extent to which a method/measurement of an investigation possesses
the property of doing what it has been designed to do/measure ✔
eg testing the sprint speed of a cyclist using a running test such as a 40m
sprint would not yield valid results of the cyclist’s cycling sprint speed as it
employs a different mode of transport not applicable to the sport ✔
achieving external validity would enable your experimental results to be
applicable to real situations/generalized to the population as a whole/reliant
«in part» upon the adequacy of the sample ✔
internal validity is the extent to which the outcome/result of an investigation is
a function of the variables that are measured/controlled/manipulated ✔
Award [3 max] for validity.
Award [2 max] if there is no reference to sport of choice.
Reliability:
a test is reliable when you undertake a retest under the same conditions as
the original and a similar result is obtained ✔
it is important for tests to be repeatable so that any improvements in
performance can be identified and tracked/the effect of the manipulated
variable can be clearly seen ✔
reliability in any kind of testing questions the accuracy of test results ✔
Award [2 max] if there is no reference to sport of choice.

Examiners report
This was a poorly answered question. Candidates struggled to relate the
concept of validity and reliability to a sport of their choice. Many candidates
confused validity with accuracy and many candidates were unable to access
more than one mark per term.

15. Using examples of specific bones, outline the function of the axial [4 marks]
skeleton.
 Markscheme
protection of vital organs eg ribs, skull✔
support and maintenance of posture / structure eg vertebral column✔
providing attachment points for the muscles / movement eg sternum✔
storage and release of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus eg ribs✔
blood cell production eg ribs, sternum✔
An example together with the bone is required for the mark to be awarded.
Award [1 max] for each function.

Examiners report
Often answered very poorly with most pupils only providing protection as a
role of the axial skeleton. However most pupils provide suitable examples.

16a. State two types of bone. [1 mark]

Markscheme
long ✔
short ✔
flat ✔
irregular ✔
Award [1] for two types.

Examiners report
Candidates rarely got the types of bone wrong.

16b. Describe the role of the agonist and the antagonist during extension of [2 marks]
the elbow joint.
 Markscheme
the role of the agonist is to cause extension at the elbow joint ‹Triceps brachii›/
the agonist is the muscle that provides the force to complete the movement –
prime mover ✔
the role of the antagonist is to play a protective/controlling role during
extension at the elbow joint ‹Biceps brachii›/ the antagonist refers to the
opposing muscle to the agonist/ the relaxing muscle in the movement ✔
Award [1] max for each.

Examiners report
Some candidates were a little confused here with regard to the antagonist
muscle – thinking that it contracted during the action. They would correctly
indicate that the agonist contracted concentrically.

16c. Compare the cardiac output for a trained and untrained individual [2 marks]
during maximal exercise.

Markscheme
Q is higher in trained during maximal exercise ✔
SV is higher in trained during maximal exercise ✔
HR is higher in trained during maximal exercise ✔
Accept answers in the converse for all marking points.

Examiners report
Question was understood really well.

17a. Define the term joint. [1 mark]

Markscheme
a joint occurs where two or more bones articulate/meet✔
 Examiners report
While this was generally answered well there were a number of candidates
who confined their answer to it being where two bones meet; or incorrectly
indicate that it was something that attached muscle to bones.

17b. Distinguish between the axial and appendicular skeleton in terms of [2 marks]
function.

Markscheme
axial skeleton:
main function is protection ‹internal organs›✔
attachment
OR
movement✔
support ‹spine›

appendicular:
main function is movement✔
support
OR
blood cell formation
OR
mineral reservoir✔
Award [1 max] for axial skeleton function.
Award [1 max] for appendicular function. Must have different functions for
each to distinguish.

Examiners report
This was an area in which candidates were very strong.

18a. Outline how the general characteristics of skeletal muscle tissue [5 marks]
function during a 200 m sprint.
 Markscheme
contractility:
the ability of muscle cells to actively generate force/to undergo shortening for
movements to bring about dynamic movements✔
elasticity:
the ability of muscle tissue to return to its original shape after
contraction/extension
OR
helps store energy for movement✔
extensibility :
ability of muscle to stretch without damage ‹within the permitted range of
movement›
OR
allows quick changes in range of movement (ROM)✔
controlled by nerve stimuli:
the ability of the muscle tissue to be stimulated by electrical
impulses/excitability/conductivity✔
muscles work in pairs through reciprocal inhibition✔
fed by capillaries :
capillaries supply muscles with oxygen and nutrients/remove waste products✔
there may be a small amount of hypertrophy ‹due to blood moving into
muscle›✔
Award [1 max] for each characteristic.

Examiners report
candidates need to remember the context for the question

18b. Outline the types of movements and muscle contraction at the knee [4 marks]
joint when a soccer player kicks a soccer ball.
 Markscheme
during the upward motion/preparation phase/hamstring curl the joint action is
flexion✔
during the downward motion/action phase the joint action is extension✔
during the upward motion/preparation phase/hamstring curl the hamstring
contracts concentrically/is the agonist/the quadriceps relaxes/is the
antagonist/eccentrically✔
OR
during the upward motion/preparation phase/hamstring curl the quadriceps
relaxes/is the antagonist/eccentrically✔
during the downward motion/action phase quadriceps contracts
concentrically/is the agonist while the hamstring relaxes/is the
antagonist/eccentrically✔
motion occurs as a result of reciprocal inhibition of muscle pairs✔

Examiners report
there were 2 movements possible to talk about. Confusion regarding muscles
engaged and causing movement; eccentric contraction mentioned for relaxing
muscle – handbook has eccentric relaxation.

19. Outline the structural components of voluntary muscle. [4 marks]

Markscheme
epimysium is the outer surrounding layer (which consists mainly of collagen
fibres);
perimysium surrounds bundles of muscle fibres;
muscle fibres which are surrounded in a layer called the endomysium;
these all connect to a tendon which attaches to the bone to allow muscles to
move;
the muscle cell/fibre is composed of smaller units called myofibrils;
myofibril is composed of contractile components (protein filaments) known as
myosin and actin;
sarcomere is a basic/functional unit of the muscle cell;
Marks are not awarded for reference to striped/striated appearance.
[4 max]
 Examiners report
Candidates gave some good answers to 5d and for 5e (although the difference
between oxygen deficit and oxygen debt was not always clear for some
candidates). It was disappointing to find a wide range in the quality of answers
to 5a. For 5b, a number of candidates tended to outline the characteristics
rather than the structure. For 5c, some candidates were clearly confused
between the role of insulin and glucagon – as well as confusion between
glucose, glycogen and glucagon.

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