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EnglandPhysical Education

Applied anatomy and physiology (Component 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 for sport?

Energy release using glucose and oxygen, the aerobic and anaerobic equations, the by-product lactic acid, and the fuel sources fats and carbohydrates.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on aerobic and anaerobic exercise: how glucose and oxygen release energy aerobically, the effect of insufficient oxygen, the by-product lactic acid, and fats and carbohydrates as fuel sources.
7 min answer →

What happens to the body in the moments and weeks of training?

The short-term effects of exercise on lactate, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and breathing, and how the systems work together to recover.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the short-term effects of exercise: lactate accumulation and muscle fatigue, the rise in heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, the change in breathing, and how the systems work together to recover.
8 min answer →

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

The structure and functions of the cardiovascular system, the blood vessels, cardiac output, vascular shunting, and the components and roles of blood.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the cardiovascular system: the structure and functions of the heart, the three blood vessels, cardiac output, vascular shunting during exercise, and the roles of red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma.
9 min answer →

How do muscles work with the skeleton to produce movement in sport?

The major voluntary muscles, the three muscle types, antagonistic muscle pairs, and the characteristics of fast and slow twitch muscle fibres.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the muscular system: the major voluntary muscles, the three muscle types, how antagonistic pairs create movement, and the characteristics of slow twitch (type I) and fast twitch (type IIa and IIx) fibres.
8 min answer →

How does the respiratory system supply oxygen for exercise?

The structure of the respiratory system, gas exchange at the alveoli, the composition of inhaled and exhaled air, and tidal volume and vital capacity.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the respiratory system: the main structures, gas exchange at the alveoli, the composition of inhaled and exhaled air, and the meaning of tidal volume and vital capacity and how they change with exercise.
8 min answer →

How does the skeleton support movement and performance in sport?

The functions of the skeleton, the classification of bones, the major bones, the classification of joints and the movements they allow, and the role of ligaments and tendons.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the skeletal system: the functions of the skeleton, the four classes of bone, the major bones, the classification of synovial joints, the movements they allow, and the role of ligaments and tendons.
8 min answer →