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Date May 2022 Marks available 1 Reference code 22M.1.SL.tz0.4
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 1 Time zone time zone 0
Command term Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

The diagram shows average respiratory volumes. What happens to the expiratory reserve volume (ERV) when an athlete begins to run?

[Source: William F. Ganong, MD: Review of Medical Physiology 19th Edition, Copyright © McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved.]

 

A. It increases until the residual volume is 0 litres.

B. It decreases.

C. There is no change.

D. It increases but is limited by residual volume.

Markscheme

B

Examiners report

B was the correct answer however a larger number of candidates selected D. This is a contextual question and candidates need to be aware of the respiratory volumes and capacities and how they change with exercise.

Syllabus sections

Topic 2: Exercise physiology » 2.1. Structure and function of the ventilatory system » 2.1.3. Define the terms pulmonary ventilation, total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and residual volume (RV).
Topic 2: Exercise physiology » 2.1. Structure and function of the ventilatory system
Topic 2: Exercise physiology

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