Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 18M.3.HL.TZ1.21 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Explain | Question number | 21 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Outline the role of the sinoatrial node in the contraction of the heart.
The graph shows the results of a study of the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in different age groups of men participating in a study carried out by the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute.
Comment on the claim that the bar chart proves that old age causes CHD.
Suggest one factor other than age and hypertension that is correlated with the incidence of CHD.
Hypertension has been suggested as a possible cause of CHD. Explain the possible causes of hypertension.
Markscheme
a. initiates action potentials / electrical impulses (at start of cardiac cycle)
b. acts as pacemaker/ continuous beating without external stimuli
c. signal spreads over atria / causes contraction of atria (systole)
d. impulses transmitted to AV (atrioventricular) node / cannot pass directly to ventricles
a. data show correlation (increased chance of CHD with age) not causation
OWTTE.
sex / ethnic group / genetics / obesity / diet / life style / medical history / high cholesterol levels
Smoking / stress go under lifestyle.
a. deposition of fat in arteries thus losing elasticity/forming fibrous tissues
b. deposition of fat/formation of plaque in arteries thus narrowing of lumen/causing a blockage
c. high salt levels in diets thus retaining more fluids
d. smoking because nicotine is a vasoconstrictor molecule
e. prolonged high levels of stress thus causing vasoconstriction / exposure to stress hormones
f. genetic predisposition makes it more likely that other factors will lead to hypertension
Do not accept a list.