Outline features of the three different types of muscle found in the body.

Analyse the structure of slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibres.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Outline four functions of the skin that maintain health.

Using a sporting example, discuss how the frontal and temporal lobes of the cerebrum assist an athlete’s performance.

skeletal:
voluntary movement / stimulated by motor nerves ✔

striated fibres✔

cells are bundled together by outer layers of tissue / fascia ✔

multinucleated cells ✔

have tension and stretch receptors ✔

attaches to bones via tendons e.g. biceps and triceps✔

cardiac:
involuntary movement / stimulated by autonomic nerves ✔

cells are connected by branching network ✔

single nucleus cells ✔

striated fibres ✔

only found in heart ✔

smooth:
involuntary movement / stimulated by autonomic nerves ✔

not striated ✔

single nucleus cells ✔

found in hollow tubes e.g. digestive system / vascular system ✔

Award [2 max] for each.

slow-twitch:
have a high density of capillaries ✔

high myoglobin count ✔

large number of mitochondria ✔

smaller fibre diameter ✔

high triglyceride stores ✔

low levels of glycogen storage ✔

low ATP & PC store✔

underdeveloped sarcoplasmic reticulum ✔

fast-twitch:
less density of capillaries ✔

lower myoglobin count ✔

fewer mitochondria ✔

high levels of glycogen stored ✔

large fibre diameter ✔

high ATP & PC store ✔

developed sarcoplasmic reticulum ✔

Award [3 max] for each.

body temperature regulation:
through the movement of blood to the skin region where the blood can be exposed to cooler air temperatures ✔

through evaporation of sweat ✔

hairs erect to trap air to reduce heat loss ✔

protection and immunity:
acts as a protective boundary where diseases cannot enter ✔

protection from impacts ✔

reduces the effect of radiation/sunlight/UV rays ✔

sensation:
skin has nerves for sensing pressure, temperature, pain and this acts as further protection and helps with carrying out everyday tasks ✔

excretion from sweat glands:
eccrine which are involved in temperature control ✔

excrete waste materials such as ammonia / urea / uric acid / water ✔

sebaceous glands secrete sebum as water repellent and antibacterial / antifungal agent ✔

apocrine produce a sweat high in fatty proteins ✔

synthesis (making) of vitamin D:
vitamin D is a hormone which is made in the epidermis when sunlight penetrates it ✔

Award [1] for each function up to [4 max].

frontal lobe:
involved with reasoning and motivation, planning, emotions and problem-solving ✔

contains the speech and movement motor areas ✔

e.g. an athlete will use this to help them plan a move and communicate it to their team members ✔

temporal lobe:
auditory sensory and association area ✔

involved with many aspects of long-term and visual memory ✔

e.g. an athlete will use this area to take in the sounds that they hear for processing and further action ✔

Award [2 max] for each.

Award [1 max] for each function.

Award [2 max] if no examples given.

Generally answered well. Most candidates were able to correctly identify the three types of muscle and provide at least one feature of the muscle type and provide an example within the body. Many candidates referred to whether it was voluntary or involuntary and whether it was striated or not.

Despite candidates appearing generally well prepared for this topic area, many of the candidates found the question challenging. Candidates were able to provide characteristics for both type of fibre but struggled to focus on structural characteristics. Several candidates failed to provide three characteristics for each fibre type.

Many candidates were able to state the functions of the skin, however, few were able to outline four functions. Many candidates just focused on temperature regulation. Particular focus on Vitamin D synthesis is required as most candidates were unable to provide any suitable outline.

Generally answered well by candidates, most were able to apply the functions of the lobes; however, candidates could have described the functions of the lobes with greater clarity.