Question 1: Describe two short-term effects of vigorous exercise on the cardiovascular system.

Answer: An increase in heart rate and faster breathing (respiration).

Question 2: Explain how regular aerobic exercise can lead to long-term improvements in lung capacity.

Answer: It strengthens the lungs and improves efficiency, allowing more air to be inhaled and oxygen absorbed over time.

Question 3: Identify one short-term and one long-term effect of exercise on muscles.

Answer: Short-term: muscle fatigue. Long-term: increased muscle strength and endurance.

Question 4: Describe the effect of consistent exercise on a person’s resting heart rate over time.

Answer: It decreases because the heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood.

Question 5: Explain how regular physical activity can improve joint flexibility in the long term.

Answer: It maintains or increases the range of motion in joints by keeping the surrounding muscles and ligaments flexible.

Question 6: Describe two short-term effects that exercise has on the body’s energy systems.

Answer: An increase in the use of glycogen stores and elevated levels of adrenaline.

Question 7: Explain why it is important to cool down after exercise to reduce long-term negative effects.

Answer: Cooling down helps gradually return the heart rate and blood pressure to normal, preventing dizziness and muscle stiffness.

Question 8: Sketch a diagram illustrating the difference between a muscle at rest and a muscle during contraction. Label the key features.

Answer: A correct sketch should show relaxed muscle fibers with fewer overlapping actin and myosin filaments, and contracted fibers with overlapping filaments more densely packed. Labels should include 'muscle fiber', 'actin', 'myosin', 'sarcomere', and 'contraction'.

Question 9: Describe how regular exercise can lead to improved bone health over the long term.

Answer: Weight-bearing activities stimulate bone growth and increase bone density, making bones stronger.

Question 10: Explain what happens to the blood vessels in the muscles during regular exercise and the long-term benefit of this change.

Answer: Blood vessels become more numerous and efficient, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, which enhances endurance and recovery.