Practice A.1.1 Inter-system communication with authentic IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like core principles, advanced applications, and practical problem-solving. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify two systems that collaborate to regulate ventilation.
2.[2]
State two factors that increase ventilation rate during intense exercise.
3.[3]
Describe how partial pressure gradients drive the exchange of gases during exercise.
4.[4]
Explain how the circulatory system compensates for increased oxygen demand during interval training.
5.[4]
Outline the importance of cardiovascular control centers in adapting to variable intensity workloads.
6.[5]
Discuss the consequences of impaired gas exchange on homeostasis and athletic performance.
Question 2
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation.
2.[2]
Identify two internal conditions regulated by homeostatic mechanisms.
3.[3]
Describe how the nervous system responds to an increase in body temperature.
4.[3]
Describe the function of insulin in blood glucose regulation.
5.[5]
Explain the role of the lungs in the transport of gases during exercise.
6.[5]
Discuss how the endocrine and nervous systems work together to maintain homeostasis during exercise.
Question 3
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the primary function of hemoglobin.
2.[2]
Identify two byproducts of aerobic metabolism.
3.[3]
Describe how oxygen is transported in the blood.
4.[3]
Explain how the circulatory system supports muscle function during exercise.
5.[5]
Outline the role of capillaries in gas and nutrient exchange.
6.[5]
Discuss how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems interact to meet the demands of working muscles.
Question 4
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the function of baroreceptors.
2.[2]
Identify two systems involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
3.[3]
Outline the role of the medulla oblongata in cardiovascular regulation.
4.[3]
Explain how the nervous system maintains blood pressure during standing.
5.[5]
Describe how the endocrine and nervous systems coordinate to regulate blood pressure under stress.
6.[5]
Discuss the importance of inter-system communication in maintaining stable blood pressure during dynamic exercise.
Question 5
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Identify the two types of feedback mechanisms used in homeostasis.
2.[2]
State two reasons why maintaining core body temperature is essential for survival.
3.[3]
Describe how changes in external temperature are detected and communicated to the hypothalamus.
4.[4]
Explain the process by which the hypothalamus regulates thermoregulation via endocrine signaling.
5.[4]
Outline how prolonged fluid loss during endurance activity challenges homeostasis.
6.[5]
Discuss how the integration of thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems delays fatique and maintains homeostasis during an ultra-endurance event.
Question 6
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the function of chemoreceptors.
2.[2]
Identify the gas primarily responsible for stimulating ventilation.
3.[3]
Describe how chemoreceptors respond to changes in CO2 during exercise.
4.[4]
Outline the role of the respiratory control center in ventilation.
5.[4]
Explain the importance of blood pH regulation in maintaining homeostasis.
6.[5]
Discuss how inter-system communication ensures adequate ventilation and circulation during high-intensity activity.
Question 7
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
Define the term "inter-system communication."
2.[2]
State two examples of effectors in thermoregulation.
3.[3]
Outline the role of thermoreceptors in maintaining body temperature.
4.[4]
Explain how vasodilation helps regulate core temperature.
5.[4]
Describe the sequence of events that occur when body temperature rises above normal.
6.[5]
Discuss the importance of coordinated responses between systems to prevent overheating.
Question 8
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State the function of red blood cells.
2.[2]
Identify one hormone involved in regulating water balance and its source.
3.[3]
Describe how thermoreceptors contribute to homeostasis.
4.[4]
Explain how vasodilation supports thermoregulation.
5.[4]
Outline the pathway of oxygen from the external environment to the muscle cell.
6.[5]
Discuss the role of feedback mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis, using temperature regulation as an example.
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[2]
State one role of the circulatory system in homeostasis.
2.[2]
Identify two types of receptors involved in homeostatic control.
3.[3]
Describe the process of diffusion in gas exchange.
4.[4]
Explain how the respiratory and circulatory systems cooperate to deliver oxygen.
5.[4]
Outline how the nervous system coordinates changes in breathing rate.
6.[5]
Discuss the role of inter-system communication in maintaining internal stability during exercise.
Question 10
SLPaper 1A
The graph below shows heart rate (bpm) and systolic blood pressure (mmHg) during a 20-minute moderate-intensity treadmill run.
Which physiological mechanism best explains the plateau in blood pressure despite a continuing rise in heart rate?