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EnglandPhysical Education

Applied anatomy and physiology (Paper 1)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the body release energy aerobically and anaerobically in sport?

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the word equations, EPOC and the oxygen debt, and how the intensity and duration of activity decide which system is used.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on aerobic and anaerobic exercise: the two energy pathways, their word equations, the build-up of lactic acid, EPOC and the oxygen debt, and how intensity decides which system is used.
8 min answer →

What happens to the body during exercise and how does it adapt to training over time?

The short-term (immediate) effects of exercise on the body and the long-term effects and adaptations that result from regular training.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on the short and long-term effects of exercise: the immediate responses of the body to a single session, and the long-term adaptations of the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems to regular training.
8 min answer →

How does the heart and blood deliver oxygen for physical activity?

The structure and function of the heart, the pathway of blood, the components of cardiac output, blood vessels and vascular shunting during exercise.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on the cardiovascular system: the structure of the heart, the double circulatory system, cardiac output, the blood vessels and vascular shunting during exercise.
8 min answer →

How do muscles produce movement in physical activity and sport?

The major muscle groups, how muscles work in antagonistic pairs, the roles of agonist, antagonist and fixator, and the types of muscle contraction used in sporting actions.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on the muscular system: the major muscle groups, antagonistic muscle pairs, the agonist and antagonist roles, and isotonic and isometric contractions in sporting movements.
8 min answer →

How does the respiratory system supply oxygen for physical activity and sport?

The pathway of air, the structure of the alveoli, gaseous exchange, the mechanics of breathing, and the lung volumes that change during exercise.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on the respiratory system: the pathway of air, the structure of the alveoli, gaseous exchange, the mechanics of breathing, and how lung volumes change with exercise.
8 min answer →

What does the skeleton do and how does it allow us to move in sport?

The functions of the skeleton, the major bones, the structure of a synovial joint, the types of synovial joint and the movements they allow in physical activity.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE PE on the skeletal system: the functions of the skeleton, the major bones used in sport, the structure of a synovial joint, and the joint types and movements that allow performance.
8 min answer →