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Date May 2019 Marks available 3 Reference code 19M.3.HL.TZ2.22
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 2
Command term Describe Question number 22 Adapted from N/A

Question

State one function of the atrioventricular node.

[1]
a.

Describe how the structure of cardiac muscle cells allows them to carry out their function.

[3]
b.

Markscheme

a. relays signal from SAN to ventricles ✔

b. causes ventricular systole ✔

c. delays signal enabling both ventricles to contract simultaneously
OR
delays signal so the atria empty before ventricular systole ✔

a.

Not necessary to present answer in a table.

Award [1] for each set of corresponding structure and function.

b.

Examiners report

A large number could state one correct function of the atrioventricular node, mainly that it causes ventricular systole.

a.

Many could provide a correct description including many elements, but many discussed the structure of the heart as a whole, rather than the cellular structure of cardiac muscle cells or discussed at length the myogenic nature of cardiac tissue.

b.

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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