Ventilation quiz | Biology

Section A: Paper 2

Multiple Choice Questions (5 marks)

1

When breathing in (inhalation), what does the diaphragm do?

[1 mark]

Relaxes and moves upward into a dome shapeContracts and flattens downwardStays in the same positionContracts and moves upward

2

What happens to the pressure inside the thorax during inhalation?

[1 mark]

Pressure increases above atmospheric pressurePressure stays the same as atmospheric pressurePressure decreases below atmospheric pressurePressure becomes equal to zero

3

Which muscles contract to pull the ribs upward and outward during inhalation?

[1 mark]

Internal intercostal musclesExternal intercostal musclesDiaphragm muscles onlyAbdominal muscles

4

During normal quiet exhalation (breathing out), what happens to the external intercostal muscles and diaphragm?

[1 mark]

They contract more forcefullyThey relax and return to their original positionThey stay contractedThey alternately contract and relax rapidly

5

Why does air enter the lungs during inhalation?

[1 mark]

The lungs actively suck air inAtmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure in the lungsThe lungs expand on their ownThe trachea pumps air into the lungs

Section B: Paper 4

Structured Theory Questions (17 marks)

Theory Tip: Use specific scientific terminology from the mark scheme. Include ALL required keywords for full marks.

1

Explain the role of the ribs, external intercostal muscles, and diaphragm in producing volume changes during inhalation.

[4 marks]

2

Describe what happens during forced exhalation (e.g., blowing out candles).

[3 marks]

3

Explain why air enters the lungs when the thorax volume increases during inhalation.

[3 marks]

4

Explain the difference between the role of the external intercostal muscles during inhalation and the internal intercostal muscles during forced exhalation.

[4 marks]

5

State the function of cartilage in the trachea.

[3 marks]

Section C: Paper 6

Practical Skills & Data Analysis (15 marks)

Practical Tip: Always state units, define variables clearly, and mention repeating measurements for reliability.

1

The graph shows lung volume changes during breathing. What is happening at point X where the volume is increasing?

[2 marks]

Exhalation - air leaving the lungsInhalation - air entering the lungsHolding breath - no air movementCoughing - forced expulsion of air

2

From the graph, a person completes 5 breathing cycles in 20 seconds. Calculate the breathing rate in breaths per minute.

[3 marks]

15 breaths per minute20 breaths per minute25 breaths per minute30 breaths per minute

3

A student investigates the effect of exercise on breathing rate. Describe how they could measure breathing rate before and after exercise.

[3 marks]

4

In an experiment investigating the effect of exercise on breathing rate, identify: (a) the independent variable, (b) the dependent variable, (c) one control variable.

[3 marks]

5

Describe the safety precautions a student should take when investigating the effect of exercise on breathing rate.

[4 marks]

Mechanics of Breathing

Section A: Paper 2

Section B: Paper 4

Section C: Paper 6

Cambridge Grade Boundaries

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