Project 4.4.

1: Student Resource Sheet

Use the questions below to help you focus your research. How do the human body
systems we have discussed thus far react and respond to exercise during each leg of
the race?

AT THE START

1. We have talked about the central and peripheral nervous systems. We know that
the peripheral nervous system relays signals to and from the spinal cord. But this
system is divided yet again. What are the two main divisions of the peripheral
nervous system? How do these systems relate to the three types of muscle?
Somatic and autonomic nervous system; somatic nervous system is in
charge of the movement of skeletal muscle (voluntary movement);
autonomic nervous system is in charge of the movement of smooth
andcardiac muscle (involuntary movement

2. Why is the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system active just
before the race?
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for
the fight or flight response in our bodies. One of the major purposes of the
sympathetic division is to divert blood away from organs not necessary for
immediate survival and diverting blood toward organs involved in intense
physical activity. This division begins working in anticipation of a strenuous
workout
3. How does the nervous system influence other body systems at the start of the
race?
As was stated in the previous question, the sympathetic division diverts blood
away from organs not necessary for immediate survival. So blood is diverted
away from the urinary and digestive systems and diverted to the skeletal muscle,
the heart, the lungs, and the brain (muscular, respiratory, and nervous systems).
This will aid Mary in her race because blood flow is going where it is needed for
running
4. What is happening to the digestive and urinary systems at the start of the race?
Why?
Again, as stated in the previous question, blood flow is diverted away from these
systems at the start of the race since they are not necessary for immediate
survival. This means that Mary should have a decreased need togo to the
bathroom as her body is more focused on the race than on secondary needs like
excretion.
5. What is happening to Marys blood glucose levels right before the race? Relate
this change to energy and ATP.
They are increasing in anticipation of exercise she is about to do to provide the
muscles with the energy she needs to finish.

2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Human Body Systems Project 4.4.1 Student Resource Sheet - Page 1
 6. Why does her mouth feel dry?
The production of saliva is stopped when due to the fight or flight response by
the sympathetic division to conserve water.
1 MINUTE INTO THE RACE

1. Running at a sprint puts new demands on Marys body. What are these demands
and how are they being met?
The muscles needed to sprint are in your legs including glutes, hamstrings,
claves, and quads. During the sprinting portion at the beginning the muscles
have to contract and relax quickly, moving the body quickly.
2. Why do Marys muscles feel like they are burning? Relate this burn to information
about ATP production.
During intense exercise, your body uses stored ATP, but then due to lack of
oxygen your body cant keep up with the rate of ATP production so your
muscles then start creating pyruvate( the breakdown of sugars for energy).
This turns into lactic acid which causes the burning.
3. Why does Marys respiratory rate increase as she starts to run? Provide two
reasons.
Her respiratory rate increases because of the need for oxygen to produce ATP and
provide the muscles with energy to run.
4. How does Marys increase in heart rate relate to cardiac output?
The increase in heart rate causes a higher cardiac output.
5. How does the nervous system interact with the cardiovascular and respiratory
systems to increase the blood flow to the muscles?

The brain sends signals throughout the body to signal the heart to pump quicker and
supply the body with blood more quickly. It also tells the lungs to breathe quicker in
order to supply the muscles with oxygen as quickly as possible.
HALFWAY THROUGH THE RACE

1. Why does Marys body temperature start to increase? What is one of the main
by-products of muscle contraction?
Temperature increases because of the strenuous activity that Mary is performing and
the temperature of her surroundings.
2. How does sweat work for the body?
Sweat cools the body and is secreted through the pores of the epidermis.
3. What part of the brain helps stimulate the sweat glands in the skin?
The pituitary gland in the hypothalamus stimulates sweat production.
4. How does the urinary system deal with the loss of water through sweat? What
did Mary do before the race to try to alleviate this conflict?
The urinary system produces more urine. Mary stayed hydrated before the race to
alleviate this problem.
5. Why does Mary feel a bit more comfortable during the middle of the race? Where
is she drawing her energy at this point?
She is now running at a comfortable pace. She is drawing her energy from
glucose, breaking it down through cellular respiration.

AT THE FINISH

2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Human Body Systems Project 4.4.1 Student Resource Sheet - Page 2
 1. Why does Mary feel dizzy at the end of the race?
She is dehydrated.
2. Why is Marys heart rate and breathing rate so high even though she has
stopped moving?
Her breathing is high because she is trying to get oxygen so her body can make more
ATP, which he body is lacking.
3. Why did Mary only sip water at the end of the race? What could happen if she
drank water too fast?
If she drinks too much water too fast, her body could not handle it and she could throw
up.
10 MINUTES AFTER THE RACE

1. What division of the autonomic nervous system is at work now? How does this
division impact Marys other body systems?
Her autonomic system sped up her heart rate and breathing, increase blood flow and
trigger sweat glands.
2. Explain how Mary could have lost four pounds in such a short period of time.
Her body was burning fat as a source of energy, causing her to lose weight quickly.
3. How will Marys actions and her endocrine system work to bring her body back
into water balance?
The hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to secrete ADH to restore hydration levels.
4. Why do Marys muscles still feel so sore?

She is still sore from lactic acid build up in muscles and the tearing of muscle fibers.

2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Human Body Systems Project 4.4.1 Student Resource Sheet - Page 3