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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.

[2]
a.

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.

[1]
b.i.

Suggest one factor other than age and hypertension that is correlated with the incidence of CHD.

[1]
b.ii.

Hypertension has been suggested as a possible cause of CHD. Explain the possible causes of hypertension.

[3]
c.

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.

a. data show correlation (increased chance of CHD with age) not causation

OWTTE.

b.i.

sex / ethnic group / genetics / obesity / diet / life style / medical history / high cholesterol levels

Smoking / stress go under lifestyle.

b.ii.

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.

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.i.
[N/A]
b.ii.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Core topics) » D.4 The heart
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Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Core topics)
Option D: Human physiology

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