HUMAN ANATOMY

Front

Explain why a ball-and-socket joint is less stable than a hinge joint, using movement range and injury risk.

Back

A ball-and-socket joint allows movement in multiple planes (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation), which increases range of movement but reduces stability. Greater movement = less joint stability, leading to more wear and tear and a higher risk of dislocation (e.g. shoulder). A hinge joint moves mainly in one plane, making it more stable and less injury-prone. Exam trap: Saying “it is weaker” instead of linking range of movement → stability → injury risk.

Front

Describe how the structure of red blood cells makes them efficient for oxygen transport.

Back

Red blood cells are biconcave (disc-shaped), giving a large surface area for rapid diffusion of oxygen. They lack a nucleus, allowing more space for haemoglobin, which binds with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin. Exam trap: Forgetting to mention shape + no nucleus + haemoglobin.

Front

During a bicep curl, identify the agonist, antagonist, origin, insertion, and the movement at the joint.

Back

Agonist: Biceps Antagonist: Triceps Origin: Scapula Insertion: Radius Movement: Flexion at the elbow The biceps contracts concentrically while the triceps relaxes. Exam trap: Mixing up origin and insertion.

Front

Explain how alveoli adaptations maximise gaseous exchange during exercise.

Back

Alveoli have a large surface area, thin walls (one cell thick), a moist lining, and are surrounded by capillaries, all of which increase diffusion rate. During exercise, increased blood flow maintains a steep diffusion gradient. Exam trap: Listing features without linking them to diffusion efficiency.

Front

Explain why arterial bleeding is more severe than venous bleeding.

Back

Arteries carry blood at high pressure directly from the heart. Their thick muscular walls maintain pressure, so when cut, blood spurts rapidly, causing greater blood loss than veins, which operate at low pressure. Exam trap: Saying “arteries have more blood” ❌

Front

Describe the pathway of blood from the body to the lungs and back to the heart.

Back

Vena cava → Right atrium → Tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Lungs → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium This is the pulmonary circuit and carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs and oxygenated blood back. Exam trap: Mixing up pulmonary artery vs pulmonary vein.

Front

Calculate cardiac output and explain how a fit and unfit person can have the same resting value.

Back

Cardiac output = Heart rate × Stroke volume Fit person: Lower HR, higher SV Unfit person: Higher HR, lower SV Both can produce ~4.9 L/min at rest, but the fit person’s heart works more efficiently. Exam trap: Forgetting units or explanation.

Front

Explain the role of antagonistic muscle action during a football kick.

Back

Preparation phase: Hamstrings contract (agonist) to flex the knee; quadriceps relax. Contact phase: Quadriceps contract to extend the knee; hamstrings relax. Muscles swap roles to produce controlled movement. Exam trap: Saying muscles “push” instead of contract and relax.

Front

Describe the mechanics of inhalation during intense exercise.

Back

The diaphragm contracts and flattens, intercostal muscles lift the ribs upwards and outwards, increasing chest volume. Pressure inside the lungs decreases, so air is drawn in. Exam trap: Saying air is “pulled in” without mentioning pressure change.

Front

Explain why minute ventilation increases during exercise but vital capacity does not.

Back

Minute ventilation increases because tidal volume and respiratory rate rise to meet oxygen demand. Vital capacity does not change because exercise does not alter lung size, only breathing efficiency. Exam trap: Claiming training increases lung size ❌.