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EnglandPhysical Education

3.1 Applied anatomy and physiology

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the body resynthesise ATP to fuel activities of different intensity and duration?

The three energy systems (ATP-PC, glycolytic and aerobic), their fuels, sites, yields and by-products, the energy continuum and intensity thresholds, EPOC, recovery and the factors affecting which system predominates.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level PE applied anatomy on energy systems, covering the ATP-PC, glycolytic and aerobic systems, their fuels and yields, the energy continuum, EPOC, the recovery process and factors affecting energy system use.
13 min answer →

How does the cardiovascular system respond and adapt to exercise?

The structure and function of the heart, cardiac cycle, cardiac output and its regulation, the vascular shunt mechanism, venous return, and the cardiovascular responses and adaptations to exercise and training.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level PE applied anatomy on the cardiovascular system, covering the cardiac cycle, cardiac output, heart rate regulation, the vascular shunt, venous return and cardiovascular adaptations to training.
10 min answer →

How do bones, joints and muscles work together to produce movement at the major joints?

Joint types and the articulating bones, the movement patterns and planes and axes of movement, the agonist, antagonist, fixator and synergist roles, and the types of muscle contraction at the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level PE applied anatomy on the musculoskeletal system and movement analysis, covering joint types, planes and axes, antagonistic muscle pairs, the agonist and antagonist roles and types of muscle contraction.
10 min answer →

How does the neuromuscular system control and produce muscular contractions during physical activity?

The structure and recruitment of motor units, the all-or-none law, slow and fast twitch muscle fibre types and their characteristics, and the role of proprioceptors in the prevention of injury through PNF stretching.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level PE applied anatomy on the neuromuscular system, covering motor units, the all-or-none law, the three muscle fibre types and their characteristics, proprioceptors and PNF stretching.
9 min answer →

How does the respiratory system supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide during exercise?

The mechanics of breathing, lung volumes and capacities, gaseous exchange at the alveoli and muscles, the control of ventilation, and the respiratory responses and adaptations to exercise and training.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level PE applied anatomy on the respiratory system, covering the mechanics of breathing, lung volumes, gaseous exchange, partial pressure gradients, neural control of ventilation and respiratory adaptations to training.
10 min answer →