CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Transport in mammals

Transport in mammals: explain question

Explain5 marksStandard

During a cardiac cycle, the pressures in the left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta change as shown in the following data (typical values):

EventLeft atrial pressure (mmHg)Left ventricular pressure (mmHg)Aortic pressure (mmHg)
Start of atrial systole5080
After atrial contraction8580
Ventricular systole begins612080
Ventricular systole peak4120120
Ventricular diastole begins4100100

Using your knowledge of the cardiac cycle and the roles of the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and Purkyne tissue, explain the sequence of events that determines when the mitral (bicuspid) valve and the aortic semilunar valve open and close during one heartbeat.

0 words · 5 marks

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5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.

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