A Level Physical Education Edexcel

Physiological Systems

Physiological Systems

Respiratory System

• The respiratory system is responsible for exchanging gases between the body and the environment.
• It includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
• During exercise, the demand for oxygen increases, leading to an increase in the rate and depth of breathing.
• This is achieved through the process of inspiration (inhaling), where air containing oxygen is drawn into the lungs, and expiration (exhaling), where waste carbon dioxide is removed.

Cardiovascular System

• The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
• Its primary function is to transport oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products around the body.
• The heart is a muscular pump that sends blood circulating around the body and adjusts the blood flow to meet the body's demands during exercise.
• Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
• Blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries, each with specific functions in the transport and exchange of substances.

Musculoskeletal System

• Composed of the skeletal system and the muscular system.
• The skeletal system provides structure and support, while the muscular system allows movement.
• Bones provide a rigid framework for the body and protect vital organs.
• Muscles contract to produce movement at joints. They also generate heat to maintain body temperature.

Energy Systems

• Energy for exercise and movement comes from the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• The body has three energy systems to produce ATP: the ATP-PC system, the anaerobic glycolysis system (lactic acid system), and the aerobic system.
• The ATP-PC system provides energy for short, "explosive" efforts, the anaerobic glycolysis system for high-intensity exercise of short duration, and the aerobic system for sustained, low-intensity exercise.

Nervous System

• The nervous system transmits signals between different parts of the body and coordinates actions and reactions.
• It's divided into the central nervous system (CNS), comprising the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), all other nerves in the body.
• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a branch of the PNS controlling involuntary processes, like heart rate and digestion.

Endocrine System

• The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate functions like growth, metabolism, and sexual development.
• Key glands involved in exercise include the pituitary gland, which secretes growth hormone, and the adrenal glands, which produce adrenaline during exercise.

Digestive System

• The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that the body can use for energy, growth, and cell repair.
• It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.
• Digestion begins in the mouth, where saliva breaks down some food molecules. Further digestion and absorption of nutrients occur as food moves through the stomach and intestines.