(a) Explain why blood cell production is an important function of the skeleton for a performer who takes part in endurance activities. [3] (b) Describe how ...
Question 1 Report
(a) Explain why blood cell production is an important function of the skeleton for a performer who takes part in endurance activities. [3]
(b) Describe how the skeleton protects two different organs in the body. Give a named example for each. [4]
Answer Details
(a) Blood cell production is a vital skeletal function for endurance performers because red blood cells are manufactured inside the bone marrow of certain bones such as the femur, pelvis and sternum. [1] Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and transports it from the lungs to the working muscles. [1] An endurance athlete, such as a marathon runner, depends on a continuous and high supply of oxygen to sustain aerobic energy production over an extended period, so efficient red blood cell production directly supports their capacity to perform. [1]
(b) The skeleton protects internal organs by encasing them within hard, bony structures:
- The skull (cranium) forms a rigid casing around the brain, shielding it from blows and impacts that could occur during sport. [1+1]
- The ribcage surrounds and protects the heart and lungs from external forces, such as collisions in contact sports. [1+1]
Other acceptable examples include the vertebral column protecting the spinal cord.
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